Hobart hurricanes intensified BBL|15 Title defense with a tense four-wicket win over Perth Scorchers in Perth on Friday, but celebrations were dampened by a nagging hamstring injury to the star finalist. Tim David.
The win lifted Hobart to a 3-1 record early in the season and keeps them firmly in the playoffs, but David’s injury threatens to become a significant backlog as the tournament progresses.
Perth Scorchers post a modest total of 150/8
In the first innings, the Scorchers struggled to build sustained momentum and finished at 150 for 8. Opener Finn Allen top-scored on 43 and made an early push before the wickets stopped the innings.
Hobart’s bowling effort was led by leg-spinner Rishad Hossain, who returned impressive figures of 33 for 3, breaking the partnership and preventing the hosts from gaining momentum at the death. Despite a competitive surface, Perth never fully capitalized, making the Hurricanes a chaseable target.
Hobart Hurricanes stumbled early before Tim David and Nikhil Chaudhary made the save
Hobart’s reply got off to a shaky start as they slumped to 39 for 3, handing the Scorchers early confidence. However, the match took a decisive turn when Tim David joined Nikhil Chaudhary.
Batting at No. 5, David displayed his trademark power as he smashed 42 off 28 balls with three fours and two sixes. Chaudhary played an ideal role, contributing 30 off 34, as the pair added a crucial 63-run partnership that propelled the Hurricanes back into control.
Tim David was forced to retire
The turning point came at the 15th time Tim David “ping” His right hamstring while trying a quick single. He immediately limped off and was forced to retire injured on 42 with Hobart 103 for 4.
Seeing David run away, calming the camp of whirlwinds. After the match, the finisher described the injury as a sensation “a little something” Scans and further evaluation will determine severity, he added. Importantly, at this stage, no official decision has been made regarding expulsion from the tournament.
Mac Wright and Chris Jordan stopped a tense chase for Hobart
Despite losing a key finisher, Hobart kept their composure in the closing stages. Macalister Wright played a decisive unbeaten 22 off 13 balls, while Chris Jordan took 11 off 15 balls to take the Hurricanes to 153 for 6.
A calm finish under pressure highlighted Hobart’s depth and resilience – qualities that have defined their title defense so far.
Also READ: Sam Harper’s explosive ton leads Melbourne Stars to a dominant win over Sydney Sixers in BBL|15.
David’s injury overshadows Hurricanes’ BBL campaign
David’s injury is seen as a potentially major blow to Hobart’s middle order firepower. With the BBL final scheduled for January 25, the explosive all-rounder has only a short recovery window if the strain is severe.
The concern goes beyond the Hurricanes. Australian selectors are keeping a close eye on the situation, with David a key finishing option ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka in February.
