The Hobart Hurricanes, fresh off a dismal batting performance, roared back to life with a resounding 8-wicket victory over the Perth Scorchers in their BBL clash. The catalyst for this turnaround was an exceptional, unbeaten century from opening batter Mitchell Owen.
Owen’s blistering knock of 101* off just 64 balls, featuring nine fours and five sixes, propelled the Hurricanes to a dominant chase. He formed a crucial 101-run partnership with Shai Hope, laying the foundation for the team’s success.
Owen’s onslaught began early, launching Jhye Richardson for a six in the very first over. He continued his assault with three boundaries off Lance Morris in the third over. While Caleb Jewell departed early, Owen continued his destructive innings, powering the Hurricanes to 44/1 in the PowerPlay.
Hope provided excellent support, witnessing Owen’s breathtaking display with awe. Owen reached his half-century in style, a powerful six in the ninth over off just 31 balls.
The Scorchers struggled to contain Owen’s onslaught and even made a costly DRS error, failing to review an LBW decision that would have gone in their favor. This proved crucial as Owen carried his bat to the end, sealing the victory for the Hurricanes.
Earlier, Riley Meredith’s impressive bowling performance (3-27) restricted the Scorchers. Meredith also played a crucial role in running out Josh Inglis, who top-scored for the Scorchers with 49. Captain Ashton Turner provided a late flourish but fell in the final over, leaving the Scorchers with a total of 155/6.
However, Owen’s brilliance proved too much for the Scorchers to handle. With the equation reduced to 7 runs off 6 balls in the final over, Owen completed his maiden BBL century and then finished the game with a flourish, securing a convincing victory for the Hurricanes.
Brief Scores:
- Perth Scorchers: 155/6 in 20 overs (Josh Inglis 49, Aston Turner 39; Riley Meredith 3-27)
- Hobart Hurricanes: 156/2 in 19.2 overs (Mitchell Owen 101*, Shai Hope 38)