Hobart Hurricanes 4 for 110 (Doolan 41*, Agar 2-19) beat Perth Scorchers 8 for 107 (Agar 32, Meredith 3-15) by six wickets
The Hobart Hurricanes easily accounted for the Perth Scorchers in Launceston, after a destructive first innings opening spell followed by a controlled hand from D’Arcy Short and Alex Doolan condemned the visitors to their poorest start in BBL history.
Sent in after losing the flip, and at one stage slumping to 4 for 19, the Scorchers huffed and puffed and spluttered their way to 8 for 107 from their 20 overs on a slow Aurora Stadium track. At no point were the Scorchers able to impose their will on the Hurricanes bowlers, ably led by speedster Riley Meredith, who regularly pushed the 150kmh mark and finished with 3 for 15.
The hosts ultimately made short work of their chase. Guided by Doolan, Short and Matthew Wade, the Hurricanes found early momentum in the second innings, and didn’t relent. Their comfortable win sees them retain their unbeaten start to the competition, and ensures they extend their lead atop the BBL standings.
Scorchers top order devastated in Powerplay
The Hurricanes made the perfect start, with James Faulkner achieving significant hoop to trap William Bosisto lbw with the first ball of the match.
The Scorchers laboured to eight runs from their opening two overs, before the introduction of Clive Rose in the third over brought another wicket; Klinger slice-driving on the up to Botha at cover point. It was an uncharacteristically casual shot from the Scorchers anchor, whose solidity so often provides the launch pad for his team-mates to capitalise upon. The shot suggested a slow track, which proved broadly true, with most batsmen struggling to consistently middle the ball at Launceston’s UTAS Stadium hosting only its second ever BBL match.
Following Klinger’s dismissal, the visitors’ malaise continued. Ashton Turner chopped a sharp Meredith delivery on to his stumps, and three balls later, Bancroft followed.
Full report to follow…