Tim David Shines as Hurricanes Dominate Thunder and Claim Top Spot
The Hobart Hurricanes proved they’re serious contenders for the BBL title with a fifth straight win, thanks to a stunning 68 not out by Tim David.
Hurricanes Show They’re Ready to Win the BBL
Playing brilliantly for the second match in a row, Tim David helped the Hurricanes crush the Sydney Thunder and claim the top spot on the BBL table. The Hurricanes chased down Sydney’s 164 for 6 at Ninja Stadium with 19 balls to spare. David smashed 68 runs from just 38 balls, finishing the game in style with a massive six his sixth of the night.
Promoted to bat at No. 5 after Ben McDermott picked up a hamstring injury, David turned the game around during the two-over power surge, scoring 26 runs off six balls. His performance mirrored his heroics in the previous match against Adelaide, where he hit an unbeaten 62 from 28 balls.
The Hurricanes’ five-match winning streak has made them strong favorites for the title, with only three games left before the finals. The team hasn’t made it to the finals in the last two seasons and is still chasing its first-ever BBL trophy.
There was a scare for the Hurricanes when skipper Nathan Ellis dived into an advertising board in the 15th over while trying to stop a boundary. Despite the crash, Ellis returned to the field after being checked by medical staff and even continued to bowl.
Thunder Slip to Third Place
The Sydney Thunder fell from first to third on the ladder after losing to the Hurricanes. The Thunder have four wins from eight games so far. Veteran opener David Warner top-scored with an unbeaten 88 off 66 balls.
Warner had a slow start, with the Thunder’s first boundary coming in the fifth over. They reached 85 for 3 after 13 overs but sped up towards the end, thanks to Warner and a quick 28 from Sam Billings, who faced just 15 balls. Warner smashed 17 runs in the final over bowled by Ellis, showing his class.
Young player Sam Konstas couldn’t repeat his Test-match success, managing only four runs before gloving a short ball from Riley Meredith.
In the Hurricanes’ chase, openers Mitchell Owen and Matthew Wade started strong, with Wade hitting a massive six off George Garton. Although the Hurricanes lost three wickets along the way, Tim David and Chris Jordan ensured the win with a solid partnership to finish the match.
