Tag: Hobart

That wraps up a riveting season of the BBL. It was a season that was well attended and well enjoyed throughout and this final was the real icing on the cake. It summed up all the action and the emotions of the competition and it’s fantastic to see a new champion. From a disastrous start, where they got bowled out for just 74, to eventual champions after chasing down 183 in under 15 overs, the Hurricanes have had a remarkable season. That’s all we’ve got for you then, this is Anurag Hegde, Ramakrishnan MS and Siva signing off. Take care and goodbye.

Nathan Ellis: Mitch (Owen) summed it up, pretty surreal. I would like to congratulate the Thunder for a brave season. It’s no secret you were thrown a lot of hurdles but you scrapped through all the way here and you should be really proud of yourselves, see you again next year. I would like to thank the sponsors and I want to thank the boys. I said it a bit earlier, I’m in a bit of awe of you guys as a team this year. The only word I can come up with is proud. We played some bloody brilliant cricket this year and we only deserve to be here tonight. Can’t go a moment without thanking the Hobart faithful, this one is for all of the cricket fans here in Tasmania. Tasmania Cricket has changed my life and I feel really honoured to be a part of your first championship. This one’s for you guys, all the past players and everyone that’s been involved in the Hurricanes. I’m not going to stand here and say it was me who ran the ship all year round and got us here, we have really amazing staff and a really amazing leadership group and a lot of experience in our side. We had moments where all members of our squad stood up throughout the tournament so as a captain I feel really lucky to have this group. It feels pretty surreal and I feel really honoured.

David Warner: First and foremost, congratulations to Hobart Hurricanes, Nathan Ellis and what a fantastic knock that was by Mitchell Owen. As a player you don’t want to stand there and watch that but mate, that was phenomenal hitting. To our sponsors, thank you for your contribution. My players, my team, thank you.. you guys were outstanding. I asked for one big push this season and this was all about attitude and you guys really, really showed. Congratulations to you boys. The other thing as well.. the crowd. The whole BBL we have seen some serious numbers in attendance, big numbers in the viewership. So thank you guys. We wouldn’t be able to do what we did tonight without you. It’s just in my DNA. For me most importantly. I’ve had a lot of support playing for Australia over the years. I owe the game, so just coming back into the BBL and trying to make my energy infectious. All these youngsters that came out here tonight, hopefully one of you is standing here today and receiving the winners medal. I’ve had a lot of fun. Just being among the guys, the group of guys we got, the back room staff, they all make it worthwhile and that’s why I love coming back here and that group over there, you have made me feel welcomed as a captain. And we all as one, hopefully we come back again next year and hopefully play against you guys (Hurricanes) again and hopefully go home with that bad boy (trophy).

Mitch Owen | PoTM: It’s an amazing feeling, lost for words. Super grateful to all the fans you guys have been great, so loud., thank you very much. Feels like a long time ago. I was just doing what I was enjoying throughout the whole tournament, Luckily it came off tonight as well.

Spare a thought for David Warner and the Thunder as well. They had a dreadful season last year and finished last but with Warner back and back as captain, they had a great run this season. They had to win three in three to lift the trophy, they got close but they were clearly bested by the Hurricanes tonight. Still, they should take a lot of confidence from this season. They were really tested on numerous occassions but they always stuck together and continued to believe even when things looked bleak. Their run to the final is testament to that fact and they should be really proud of their efforts.

Momentous occassion for the Hobart Hurricanes and for sport in Tasmania. There were concerns about dwindling crowds at Hobart this season but as the Hurricanes started to perform, the crowd turned up and backed their team. They were probably at their best tonight and put out a great atmosphere for this final. Every run was cheered and today’s performance will only inspire more fans to come out and get behind this team.

Riley Meredith: Just pure emotions, Long time coming. We have been really good for so long this season. It was something special tonight. (On Mitch Owen’s innings) It was outrageous, unbelievable hitting. Special knock from a special player. Everyone is really tight knit in this team, close mates for a long time. We’d probably hang around here for a while, reflect and enjoy it. Means so much to do in front of the home fans.

Ben McDermott: What a tournament he has had. He had got us such good starts. Pretty much won us the game today. I thought he was going to finish it in 50 balls. He has been exceptional. Long time (coming). We have put together different good groups before but this is special.

Matthew Wade: Long time. Means a lot to us. We haven’t performed the way we wanted to. We sat before the season and committed to the way we wanted to play. We got rolled out for 75 in the first game and people started to ask questions. Credit to the coaching staff, Mitch (Owen) at the top. Amazing to see crowds like this, family and friends.

22:10 Local Time, 11:10 GMT, 16:40 IST: The Hurricanes have done it! 14 years in the waiting and they do it in front of their home crowd. The final was almost a non-contest thanks to that tremendous knock from Mitch Owen. The Thunder would’ve felt like they didn’t quite have enough on the board but little would they have expected the Hurricanes to knock 183 off in just 14.1 overs. Pressure? What pressure? They say it’s never easy chasing in a final but Mitch Owen made a mockery of this total. He came out, swung hard and sent the Thunder on a leather hunt. To put things into perspective, the opening stand was worth 109 and Owen scored 85 of those runs. Absolutely and no one was spared as the ball was dispatched to all parts. Owen romped through to a century off just 39-balls and equalled the record for the fastest century in the BBL. When he eventually fell in the 11th over, the Hurricanes needed less than a run-a-ball. Matthew Wade then put on a little show of his own before McDermott hit the winning runs. The Hurricanes dominated the league stage and they absolutely dominated this final.

McAndrew to McDermott, FOUR, he hit that and just threw the bat and was running to the dugout as soon as that left the bat! Matthew Wade at the other end on his knees and celebrating with arms aloft. The Hobart Hurricanes win and they love it! Length delivery on off-stump, McDermott shuffled right across his stumps and scooped it over short fine-leg

McDermott has a chance to hit the winning runs now. Lot of men in the ring looking to save the single

Nathan McAndrew [2.0-0-31-0] is back into the attack

Wes Agar to Wade, no run, and they’ll have to wait, yorker on middle-leg, Wade clips it straight to mid-wicket

Just 2 needed now, the Hurricanes are on their feet in the dugout, the anticipation builds

Wes Agar to Wade, FOUR, nothing’s been spared tonight, absolutely nothing. Yorker just past leg-stump, Wade made a lot of room and managed to carve it through the gap at extra cover

Wes Agar to Wade, no run, low full-toss on the pads, Wade gets inside the line and looks to scoop it away, doesn’t quite get it right and he finds backward square leg

Wes Agar to Wade, SIX, there’s half a dozen more! Banged in short and into the body, Wade was making room and the bowler followed him, was cramped for room but he just arched back a litte before heaving it away over deep square leg, flat and over the ropes!

Wes Agar to Wade, 2 runs, slower length delivery on middle, tucked away gently towards mid-wicket, they turn back quickly for the second