The 34th game a Big Bash League (BBL)|14 in the middle Hobart Hurricanes and Melbourne Renegades at Belleive Oval it was a tense encounter, and both teams fought until the end.
The Hurricanes, chasing 155 to win, managed to secure a stunning victory by four wickets in the last over, thanks to explosives from Tim David and fun bowling Riley Meredith.
One of Jacob Bethel's heroes
Asked to bat first, Melbourne Renegades posted a score of 154/7 in their 20 overs. The highlight of their game was Jacob in Bethelwho played the best 87 runs in 50 balls. Bethel's ball hit 8 fours and 4, he ended up scoring the Hurricanes' goals.
However, the Renegades' middle order did not settle on its solid foundation, and struggled to pick up pace in the latter stages of the innings. Meredith was the standout bowler for Hobart, taking 3 important wickets for 36 runs in his four overs. Help from the skipper Nathan Ellis and Mitchell Owenwho each took a wicket, also reduced the Renegades' scoring.
Tim David's blast secures victory for Hobart Hurricanes
In response, the Hobart Hurricanes began a careful chase, and Nikhil Chaudhary (36 out of 27) and Matthew Wade (36 off 23) pitching innings. Their solid partnership at the top allowed the pace to flow, but the Renegades players, led by Bethell, continued to press. Bethell's 2 wickets in his 3-overspelling caused chaos in the middle order, and wickets at intervals meant that the match was in the balance as the Hurricanes closed in on the target. Fergus O'Neill, Callum Riverand Tom Rogers each took a wicket, but could not stop the Hurricanes from continuing the chase.
The match reaches its final stage, Tim Davida middle-order batsman, he played a cameo, and scored 24 runs from just 15 balls. His aggressive performance, which included 2 sixes and a four, saw the Hurricanes home with 2 balls to spare, finishing on 155/6. His vital assist in the pressure sealed victory for Hobart and confirmed their place in the 2024-25 BBL playoffs.
Despite the loss, Bethell was named the Player of the Match award for his outstanding performance. His innings of 87 helped the Renegades post a challenging total, and his two wickets were vital to prevent the Hurricanes' run-out. However, it was the Hurricanes' timely execution with bat and ball that turned the tide in this thrilling contest.
Also READ: BBL|14 [Twitter reactions]: Tom Andrews' all-round win sends Sydney Thunder into the playoffs with a big win over the Perth Scorchers.
Here's how fans at X reacted:
Hobart Hurricanes won by 4 wickets. Riley Meredith 3 wickets 3/36. N Chaudhary 36(27) and M Wade 36(23) played well. Hobart Hurricanes top of #BBL14 Points Table with 13 Points. 6 Wins for the Hobart Hurricanes in #BBL14.@HurricanesBBL #HHvMR @MatthewWade13
– JaayShaan (VaidhyaJayaShankar) (@JaayShaan) January 14, 2025
The Hobart Hurricanes are unbeaten since their first game when the team was dismissed for 74
Top-2 almost published and won today
– Middle Class Chandler (@MC_Chandler01) January 14, 2025
6 GREAT! WE ARE NOT GOING TO BE KNOCKED BY YOU! 🌪️🚂 pic.twitter.com/td48s7VKZi
– Hobart Hurricanes (@HurricanesBBL) January 14, 2025
Tim David monster again.
Hobart Hurricanes top the table. They are really cooking for RCB this season.#BBL– Devansh (@AFC_Dev17) January 14, 2025
JACOB BETHELL against the Melbourne Renegades today!
– and bat 87 (50).
– and football 2/29.All round good performance from Bethell 🔥 pic.twitter.com/8ImQ0oXHS6
— Naveen (@Cric_Naveen) January 14, 2025
Both Tim David and Jacob Bethell Score.
Now Bench Who?😭
– RAJATNATION🚩 (@rajatnation) January 14, 2025
What a Performance! Take Jacob's Bow to Bethel
87(50) and Bat.
2/29 is Football.
Jacob Bethell's Best T20 career.
Player of the Match @RenegadesBBL #BBL14 #HHvMR @BethellJacob @WarwickshireCCC– JaayShaan (VaidhyaJayaShankar) (@JaayShaan) January 14, 2025
JACOB BETHELL – WING TALENT OF RCB & ENGLAND TODAY WORKS IN BBL.
– 87(50) IS A BAT
– 2/29 IT'S FOOTBALL pic.twitter.com/ETh3jW0H08– Vikas Yadav (@VikasYadav66200) January 14, 2025
Bethel's inning was wasted, Tim David ended it in style.
– Hemendra Meena (@hemendra56) January 14, 2025
Six straight wins for the Hobart Hurricanes ⚡#cricket #BBL14 #hobarthurricanes #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/rbR0CXquxB
– CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 14, 2025
The Hurricanes work at home and end the Renegades' hopes of making the finals #BBL14 pic.twitter.com/fOEDAhxZoP
– KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 14, 2025