The Hobart Hurricanes put on a spectacular display to defeat the Perth Scorchers by eight wickets, courtesy of Mitchell Owen's remarkable century, marking the first of the 2024-25 Big Bash League season. Owen, who has been building his reputation, hit 101 runs off 64 balls, helping his team chase down the 156-run target with four balls to spare at Ninja Stadium.
After opting to bowl first, Nathan Ellis and the Hurricanes' bowling attack, led by Riley Meredith, restricted the Scorchers to 155 runs for six wickets over their 20 overs. Meredith showcased his prowess, taking 3 wickets for just 27 runs, contributing significantly to the team’s success.
Perth Scorchers, coming off their own demanding match, began their innings strongly, with Josh Inglis top-scoring for his team at 49 runs off 35 balls, supported by captain Ashton Turner, who added 39 runs. Keaton Jennings also chipped in with 35 runs, but their efforts fell short against the Hurricanes' disciplined bowling.
Mitchell Owen's innings was nothing short of explosive. Right from the get-go, he sent the message to the Scorchers' bowlers as he smashed sixes and boundaries almost at will. His 101 not out included nine fours and five sixes, making it clear he was on the path to something special. Owen celebrated his maiden T20 century with flair, finishing off the chase with remarkable ease.
The chase started strong for the Hurricanes, with Owen and Caleb Jewell establishing the pace before the latter fell for 7 runs early on. Shai Hope joined Owen, and the two formed a brilliant partnership of 101 runs, steering the Hurricanes well within range of their target.
Hope contributed significantly with 38 runs off 35 balls before he was dismissed, leaving Owen to finish what he started. Faced with needing 23 runs off the last 20 balls, Owen’s confidence evidently soared, and he masterfully guided his team toward their target with aplomb, hitting the winning runs.
Having suffered one of their worst defeats just days prior against the Melbourne Renegades, where they achieved the lowest score (74) in franchise history, the Hurricanes portrayed resilience and determination to bounce back. This victory was their first against the Scorchers at home since January 1, 2013, highlighting the importance of this match within the broader competition.
Following the match, Owen reflected on his performance: "It was fantastic to get my first hundred, and I’m glad it helped the team win," he stated, showcasing his maturity as both an athlete and team player. Shai Hope echoed similar sentiments, saying, "We’ve been working hard and it’s nice to see it pay off today." These words emphasized the collective endeavor of the Hurricanes' squad.
Looking forward, the Hurricanes, now standing at one win and one loss, will take on the Strikers next Friday at the Adelaide Oval, seeking to maintain their momentum after this encouraging win. The Scorchers, also with one win and one loss, are geared up for their Boxing Day clash against the Brisbane Heat at home, where they hope to bounce back from this setback.
This match not only showcased the rising star potential of Mitchell Owen but also reflected the competitive spirit encapsulated within the Big Bash League, as teams strive for supremacy during this vibrant annual cricket spectacle.