By Victoria Hamilton 
The Hobart Hurricanes have finally broken their Big Bash League (BBL) title drought, clinching their maiden championship with a commanding seven-wicket victory over the Sydney Thunder in front of a jubilant home crowd at Ninja Stadium, Hobart. Rising star Mitch Owen stole the spotlight, smashing an electrifying 108 off just 42 balls to power the Hurricanes to glory.
Record-Breaking Performance
Owen’s breathtaking innings rewrote the BBL record books. His century, achieved in just 39 balls, tied the record for the fastest in BBL history and made him only the second batter to score a hundred in a BBL Final, after Jake Weatherald in BBL|07. With a staggering 11 sixes peppered into the crowd of 15,706, Owen’s knock was a masterclass in power-hitting.
The Hurricanes’ chase of the Thunder’s 7-182 was made to look effortless as they reached their target with 35 balls to spare, sealing a historic triumph.
Dominance with the Bat
Partnering with Owen at the top, Caleb Jewell played a supporting role with 13 off 12 balls, allowing the in-form batter to take charge. Together, they put on a 109-run opening stand, narrowly missing the record for the highest opening partnership in a BBL Final.
Veterans Matthew Wade (32* off 17) and Ben McDermott (18* off 12) ensured the Hurricanes crossed the finish line comfortably, with McDermott sealing the win with a ramped six over fine leg.
Wade, overwhelmed with emotion post-match, said:
“It’s been a long journey for us. This season, we stuck to our style, and seeing Mitchy Owen shine at the top was incredible. That hitting was something else.”
Thunder’s Missed Opportunity
The Thunder’s hopes of posting a larger total were dashed by Hurricanes skipper Nathan Ellis, whose pivotal over shifted the momentum. Ellis dismissed David Warner (48 off 32) and Matt Gilkes (0) in consecutive deliveries, finishing with figures of 3-23. Warner later admitted the Thunder were aiming for a 200+ score before Ellis turned the tide.
Despite a spirited 55* from Marcus Stoinis, the Thunder’s total fell short. Riley Meredith added to their struggles with a 3-27 spell, dismantling the middle order.
Zainab Shafiq