Scott’s Heroic 91 Not Enough as Hurricanes Cruise to Big Win Over Strikers

HOBART: Hobart Hurricanes tightened their hold at the top of the Big Bash League standings with a 37-run victory over Adelaide Strikers, producing a dominant all-round display at Ninja Stadium despite a valiant late effort from Liam Scott.

In pursuit of 179, the Strikers found conditions difficult because Hurricanes fast bowlers Riley Meredith and Nathan Ellis ripped through the top order. They got off to a start, leaving Adelaide at 8 for 4 in the initial few overs and the chase essentially out of the question.

Meredith, who has been having difficulties with wickets this season, set the tone when he had Strikers captain Matthew Short caught at cover. Two balls later, he dismissed MacKenzie Harvey for a duck. Ellis then removed Chris Lynn with a spell of havoc and then accounted for Jason Sangha, and this left the visitors in deep trouble.

During the meltdown, Liam Scott superbly performed and produced a career-best 91 not out on 58 balls. It was a single effort because no other Adelaide batter made it to double digits. The Strikers were brought to 141 for 9 innings, where the margin was too large.

Hurricanes’ Batting Depth Sets Match-Winning Total

Hurricanes had prepared the theme with fierce batting. After being sent into bat, Mitchell Owen opened the innings with 33 out of nine balls, destroying two fours and four sixes before he was caught in the deep in the third over. His onslaught assisted Hobart in going past 50 in the initial three overs.

The Strikers came back with a spin, and the rate of scoring in the middle overs slowed. In the 14th over, Jamie Overton hit twice, leaving Nikhil Chaudhary with 23 runs off 17 balls and Ben McDermott with 18 off 23. Tabraiz Shamsi made an impression also, finishing with 1 for 19 in four overs (with a last over of only five).

Hobart also received contributions from others. Rehan Ahmed contributed 29 out of 17 deliveries, and Matthew Wade ended on a flourish to make 27 out of 19 balls, and assisted Hurricanes to 178 for 6.

The outcome gives the Hurricanes a boost at the top of the table as the finals are getting closer. To the Strikers, the loss is a blow to their top-four ambitions as they are now in fifth place and have three regular-season games to play.

Hobart will be able to have Jake Weatherald and Beau Webster in their Sunday match against the Sydney Sixers. The same day, the Strikers will reunite with Alex Carey against the Perth Scorchers.