Owen’s Blazing Century Powers Hurricanes to First BBL Title

Owen’s Blazing Century: The Hobart Hurricanes chased down a big target in less than 15 overs to win their first Big Bash League (BBL) title in front of a cheering crowd in Hobart. Mitchell Owen stole the show with an incredible century, tying the record for the fastest BBL hundred. His powerful hitting had the fans at Bellerive Oval on their feet as the Hurricanes claimed victory in style.

The Hurricanes needed 183 runs, which seemed difficult, but Owen made it look easy. He smashed 108 runs off just 42 balls, including 11 sixes, reaching his hundred in just 39 balls. Ben McDermott and Matthew Wade finished the job, helping the Hurricanes win by seven wickets with 35 balls left.

It was a tough loss for the Sydney Thunder. They had started well with a 97-run opening stand between David Warner and Jason Sangha. However, Hurricanes’ bowlers Nathan Ellis and Riley Meredith slowed them down, and Warner missed the chance to become a winning captain shortly after his lifetime leadership ban was lifted.

Mitchell Owen’s Incredible Knock

When the Hurricanes began their chase, experts thought the Thunder had a 61% chance of winning. But Owen turned things around quickly. After just four overs, the Hurricanes were already 74 without loss, with Owen smashing 58 runs from 18 balls. He hit six huge sixes and five boundaries.

The decision to promote Owen to open the batting turned out to be a brilliant move. Known for his hard-hitting, he kept attacking the bowlers and hit boundaries with ease. In the first over, he smashed Nathan McAndrew for 23 runs, including a big six.

Even when Warner brought on spinner Tom Andrews, Owen stayed confident, hitting a huge six over midwicket. He reached his half-century in just 16 balls, the third fastest in BBL history. The fans chanted his name as he aimed for the fastest century in the tournament’s history. While he didn’t break the record, he tied it, receiving a standing ovation before being dismissed in the 11th over.

Owen’s amazing performance will likely catch the attention of national selectors and cricket leagues around the world.

Sydney Thunder Struggle to Stop Owen

The Thunder’s bowlers had no answers for Owen’s explosive batting. They bowled poorly, allowing him to score easily in his favorite hitting zones. The fielders didn’t help either, with Matthew Gilkes dropping a catch and Warner missing a run-out chance early on.

Leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha was the only bright spot for the Thunder. Returning from injury, he bowled well and picked up two key wickets in one over, dismissing Caleb Jewell and Nikhil Chaudhary. But it wasn’t enough to stop the Hurricanes’ charge.

Ellis hauls Hurricanes back with slower deliveries

Before Owen’s fireworks, the Hurricanes’ bowlers had struggled as the Thunder started strong. Meredith, Peter Hatzoglou, and Nikhil Chaudhary, who were great all season, couldn’t contain Warner and Sangha in the first 10 overs.

The drinks break gave the Hurricanes time to regroup. Nathan Ellis took charge, dismissing Warner with a clever slower ball and then removing Gilkes on the next delivery. He almost got a hat-trick when Sam Billings hit a nervous shot just short of a fielder.

Ellis continued to bowl brilliantly in the final overs. He dismissed Sangha and gave away only six runs during the power surge. He finished with figures of 3 for 23, showing why he’s close to earning a spot in Australia’s national white-ball team.

Warner and Sangha Start Strong

The Thunder began their innings with Jason Sangha leading the way. Sangha, playing only his third game of the season, attacked Meredith early. He hit a six and a boundary in the third over, showing no fear against the Hurricanes’ top bowler.

David Warner joined the action after the powerplay, playing clever shots and running quickly between the wickets. The pair mixed power and placement to reach 97 without loss by the drinks break.

But the Thunder couldn’t capitalize on their good start. After Sangha and Warner were dismissed, their lower order failed to score big runs. Chris Green hit a couple of boundaries at the end, but the total wasn’t enough to stop the Hurricanes from winning their first-ever BBL title.