ADELAIDE: Wicketkeeper batter Ben McDermott’s swashbuckling half-century remained in the spotlight as Hobart Hurricanes edged past Adelaide Strikers in the high-scoring 13th match of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2024 here at the Adelaide Oval on Friday.
Put into bat first, the Hurricanes registered a massive total of 214/5 on the board, thanks to McDermott’s blitz.
Coming out to bat at number four with the scoreboard reading 64/2 in 6.2 overs, the right-handed batter made the most of the flamboyant start.
He smashed three fours and five sixes on his way to an unbeaten 68 off 34 deliveries and top-scored for the Hurricanes.
Besides him, Shai Hope and Tim David, made notable contributions, scoring 37 and 33 respectively.
Jamie Overton was the standout bowler for the Strikers as he registered economical bowling figures of 2/27 in his four overs. Matthew Short, Liam Scott and Llyod Pope, each took a wicket but were expensive.
In response, the Strikers could accumulate 203/6 in their allotted 20 overs despite a flying opening partnership.
Openers D'Arcy Short and Matthew Short gave the Strikers a flamboyant start to the run chase as they notched up 76 runs inside seven overs.
D'Arcy, who was the core aggressor of the stand, fell victim to Billy Stanlake in the seventh over after scoring 41 off 22 deliveries, laced with five fours and two sixes.
Meanwhile, Matthew was then involved in brief partnerships with Chris Lynn and Ollie Pope until eventually falling to Waqar Salamkheil in the 12th over.
He remained the top-scorer for the Strikers with a 29-ball 52, comprised of three fours and four sixes.
Following his dismissals, the home side lost wickets at regular intervals which eventually resulted in them falling just 11 runs short of an astounding victory.
Chris Jordan led the bowling charge for the Hurricanes with two wickets, while Nikhil Chaudhary, Salamkheil, Nathan Ellis and Stanlake made one scalp apiece.
The 11-run victory lifted the Hurricanes to the fifth position in the BBL 2024 standings with four points in three matches, while the Strikers slipped to seventh.