Hobart Hurricanes started BBL|15 Hobart campaigned in style, beating Sydney Thunder by four wickets in their third match of the season at Bellerive Oval on Tuesday.
Chasing a competitive target of 181, the Hurricanes showed composure and depth to get over the line with a ball to spare.
Sydney Thunder post 180 thanks to valuable knocks from Cameron Bancroft and Shadab Khan
Matthew Gilkes gave Sydney Thunder a flying start as he smashed a quick 20 off just 7 balls, but his innings came to an abrupt end when Billy Stanlake struck early. Stanleyk continued to apply pressure, removing Sam Konstas (28) and then dismissing Cameron Bancroft, who top-scored with 61 off 44 balls.
The Thunder briefly swung up the middle as Chris Jordan struck out twice, striking out Sam Billings and Oliver Davis.
Absolute beauty from Chris Jordan knocks down the middle stump! 💥 #Golden Moment pic.twitter.com/OOtiiwbzmj
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 16, 2025
However, Shadab Khan (34 off 24) and Daniel Sams (23 off 11) innings provided steady and late acceleration.
The visitors finished with a flourish, reaching 180/6, although Hobart’s disciplined bowling – led by Stanley’s 3/34 – kept the total out of reach.
Hobart Hurricanes’ top order sets the tone in the chase
Mitchell Owen and Nikhil Chaudhary provide early momentum
Hobart’s chase got off to an aggressive start, with Mitchell Owen hitting 14 off 32 balls, including seven boundaries, to dominate the power play. After Owen’s dismissal, Nikhil Chaudhary took control, hitting an all-important 41 off 31 balls, driving the innings through the medium deliveries.
Ben McDermott added to the momentum with an entertaining 38 off 24, while the Hurricanes maintained a healthy run rate, keeping the necessary pace in check despite regular wickets.
Gone! McDermott runs it from there and the replacement ball is called 🚀 #BBL15 pic.twitter.com/B1Oay3PIpN
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 16, 2025
Tim David and Wade make a late push
The middle order of the Hurricanes ensured that there was no panic during the chase. Tim David contributed a quick 9-of-17, while goaltender Matthew Wade combined aggressiveness with clever shot rotation to score a valuable 25-16.
Shadab Khan briefly brought the Thunder back into the contest with two goals, but Hobart remained calm as the finish approached.
Chris Jordan and Nathan Ellis finish the job for the Hurricanes
With the pressure mounting in the final over, Chris Jordan (16 off 13) and captain Nathan Ellis (5 off 8) held their nerve to guide Hobart home. Jordan’s calm presence proved crucial as the Hurricanes crossed the line at 181/6 in 19.5 overs. won by four wickets.
For Sydney Thunder, Shadab (2/36) and Chris Green (1/33) were the outstanding bowlers but proved to be just short of a good batting surface.
Defending champions Hobart Hurricanes open their account with a win 🙂#cricket #HHvST #BBL15 pic.twitter.com/oyl08pfRex
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 16, 2025
Also READ: Tim Seifert’s stunning century helps Melbourne Renegades crush Brisbane Heat in BBL|15.
