In a Boxing Day showdown that kept the Optus Stadium crowd on the edge of their seats, the Hobart Hurricanes pulled off a thrilling four-wicket victory against the Perth Scorchers. In the 12th match of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 season, the Scorchers posted a competitive but modest 150/8, which the Hurricanes chased down with just three balls to spare. A standout performance from Tim David and a disciplined bowling effort proved to be the difference in this high-intensity clash.
Scorchers Struggle to Build Momentum
After the Hobart Hurricanes won the toss and elected to bowl, the Perth Scorchers’ innings got off to a blistering but fragile start. Opener Finn Allen was the aggressor, smashing 43 off just 23 balls, including three fours and three sixes. However, he lacked a stable partner as wickets fell at regular intervals. Mitchell Marsh contributed 16, but the middle order struggled against Hobart’s spin duo.
Rishad Hossain was the pick of the bowlers, tearing through the Scorchers’ lineup with figures of 3/33. He accounted for the crucial wickets of Cooper Connolly, Aaron Hardie, and Laurie Evans. Riley Meredith also played a vital role, keeping the pressure on with a superb spell of 2/19 from his four overs. Despite late resistance from Nick Hobson, who made a steady 29, the Scorchers ended their 20 overs at 150/8, a total that felt slightly below par on the Perth surface.
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Early Setbacks for the Hurricanes
The Hobart Hurricanes’ chase began in disastrous fashion. Mitchell Owen was dismissed for just 6 in the very first over, and Tim Ward followed shortly after, leaving the Hurricanes reeling at 20/2 in the fourth over. Cooper Connolly was the primary architect of this early damage, utilizing the new ball effectively to pick up three quick wickets, including the dangerous Ben McDermott for 9.
At 39/3, the Hurricanes were in deep trouble, needing a steadying hand to navigate the middle overs. The Scorchers’ bowling attack, led by Connolly (3/23) and Joel Paris (2/22), looked poised to defend the total as they dried up the runs and kept the required rate climbing.
Tim David and Nikhil Chaudhary Lead the Recovery
The turning point of the match came through a resilient partnership between Nikhil Chaudhary and Tim David. The duo played with a mix of caution and aggression, slowly rebuilding the innings. Chaudhary struck a vital 34 off 30 balls, hitting two sixes to keep the scoreboard ticking.
However, it was Tim David who truly shifted the momentum. Despite later retiring hurt, David’s explosive 42 off 28 balls—featuring three boundaries and two massive sixes—put the Hurricanes back in the driver’s seat. His ability to find the ropes under pressure eased the tension in the Hobart dugout and brought the required run rate back under control.
A Tense Finish at Optus Stadium
As the game moved into the final stages, the Scorchers refused to go down without a fight. Even after David left the field, Mac Wright stepped up with a crucial cameo, scoring an unbeaten 22 from 13 deliveries. The Scorchers’ death bowling, particularly from Aaron Hardie, was tested as the Hurricanes required nearly 10 runs an over in the final stretch.
The drama intensified when Chris Jordan was dismissed in the penultimate over, leaving Nathan Ellis and Mac Wright to find the remaining runs. With the crowd roaring, Wright maintained his composure, striking a boundary to bring the equation down to single digits. In the final over, Nathan Ellis struck a four to seal the win, as Hobart reached 153/6 in 19.3 overs.
Match Summary and Key Performers
The Hobart Hurricanes’ four-wicket victory was a testament to their depth and temperament. Tim David was rightfully named Player of the Match for his game-changing innings, while Rishad Hossain’s three wickets ensured the Scorchers never got away in the first innings. For the Scorchers, Cooper Connolly’s all-round effort (6 runs and 3/23) was a silver lining in a disappointing result at home.
This win provides the Hurricanes with significant momentum as they move up the BBL ladder, while the Scorchers will look to address their middle-order batting woes before their next outing. The Boxing Day encounter once again proved why the BBL remains one of the most unpredictable and exciting T20 leagues in the world.
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