Wade and David Shine as Hurricanes top despite Bethell’s brilliance
Matthew Wade and Tim David stepped up to help the Hobart Hurricanes secure a thrilling win over the Melbourne Renegades in Hobart. The Hurricanes won by four wickets with just two balls to spare, but the victory came with a setback as bowler Billy Stanlake injured his shoulder only days before the knockout stage.
This win pushed the Hurricanes to the top of the points table with two games left, making it almost impossible for the Renegades to reach the playoffs.
Renegadesโ Fight Falls Short
The Renegades batted first and managed 154 for 7, despite another shaky start. Their top order struggled, leaving them at 23 for 3 early on. Jacob Bethell fought back with a brilliant 50-ball 87, hitting eight fours and four sixes. He teamed up with Tim Seifert (24) and Will Sutherland (15) to rebuild the innings. Bethell was run out in the final over, but his effort kept the Renegades in the game.
Riley Meredith led the Hurricanesโ bowling attack, taking 3 for 36 from his four overs.
Hurricanesโ Chase and Late Drama
Chasing 155, the Hurricanes stumbled to 66 for 4 at the halfway mark. Nikhil Chaudhary scored 36 to stabilize the innings before Wade smashed 36 from 23 balls with five fours and a six. However, his dismissal in the 17th over left the Hurricanes needing eight runs from the final over.
Tom Rogers bowled the last over for the Renegades and nearly trapped Tim David leg before, but the review showed the ball had pitched outside the off stump. On the next ball, David smashed a low full toss for a six, leveling the scores. He then hit a single to seal the win, finishing unbeaten on 24 from 15 balls.
Injuries and Changes
Stanlakeโs diving catch to dismiss Josh Brown came at a cost. He injured his right shoulder and had to leave the field twice, missing the rest of the game. The Hurricanes had already made changes, bringing in Caleb Jewell and Jake Doran for injured players Ben McDermott and Chris Jordan. For the Renegades, debutant Callum Stow impressed, taking a wicket after replacing Kane Richardson.
This exciting match showed the Hurricanesโ resilience and set the stage for an intense finish to the season.