In a breathtaking display of power-hitting at Sydney's Engie Stadium, the Hobart Hurricanes pulled off a remarkable six-wicket victory over the Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League (BBL) on Saturday. The match, a run-fest that thrilled fans, was headlined by a magnificent, yet ultimately futile, century from veteran opener David Warner.
Warner's Lone Warrior Act Falls Short
David Warner turned back the clock with a sensational, unbeaten knock of 130 runs from just 65 deliveries. This monumental innings, featuring 11 fours and nine towering sixes, propelled the Sydney Thunder to a formidable total of 205 for 4. It was Warner's first BBL century in over a decade, his second in the league, and the ninth of his illustrious T20 career.
Despite the Thunder's strong total, the Hurricanes' openers, Tim Ward and Mitch Owen, launched a blistering counter-attack. They dismantled the bowling attack, putting on a rapid 108-run partnership in only 51 balls. This explosive start placed Hobart firmly in the driver's seat for the chase at the Sydney Showground venue.
Hurricanes' Chase Led by Ward's Brilliance
Tim Ward was the architect of the successful chase, playing a sublime innings of 90 from 49 balls. He was ably supported by Mitch Owen, who smashed 45 from a mere 18 deliveries. Ward was cruelly dismissed just ten runs short of a well-deserved century, attempting an audacious scoop shot off Daniel Sams. Sams, who finished with 3 for 36, struck twice in quick succession to briefly ignite Thunder's hopes of a comeback.
However, the Hurricanes held their nerve. Nikhil Chaudhary played a crucial, unbeaten cameo of 29 from 14 balls to guide his team home. Hobart Hurricanes reached the target of 206, finishing at 207 for 4 with a comfortable 13 balls to spare.
Warner Joins Elite Company, Equals Kohli's Record
While the result was a disappointment for Warner, his innings was a historic personal milestone. With his ninth T20 hundred, Warner drew level with Indian superstar Virat Kohli on the all-time list of most centuries in the shortest format. He also moved ahead of other modern greats like Rohit Sharma, Glenn Maxwell, and Jos Buttler, who all have eight T20 tons.
The list of most T20 centuries is now led by:
- Chris Gayle - 22 centuries
- Babar Azam - 11 centuries
- Virat Kohli - 9 centuries
- Rilee Rossouw - 9 centuries
- David Warner - 9 centuries*
The match will be remembered as a classic BBL encounter where individual brilliance from Warner was overshadowed by a superior team performance from the Hobart Hurricanes, who showcased depth and firepower in their batting lineup.
