Match Center

Right then. That’s it from the coverage of this game. But the BBL action continues on 19th with three games coming your way. It was supposed to be a double-header, but a fixture has been rescheduled which was affect due to covid, which is also the first clash of the day. Which sees Brisbane Heat take on Sydney Sixers at 0735 IST (0205 GMT). Later, Sydney Thunder face Melbourne Renegades at 1040 IST (0510 GMT). Followed by the game which could’ve been a tasty fixture for the final spot in the playoffs but the Hurricanes wanted to take no risk. This will also be the final fixture of the group stages where Hobart Hurricanes will go head-to-head against Melbourne Stars at 1420 IST (0850 GMT). Do join us early for the build-up. Till then, goodbye and take care!

Aaron Finch wins the Player of the Match award for his incredible hitting with the blade. He says, they got some good momentum late but could not get over the line. Mentions, Marsh is in such a good form. He gets better and better with each game.

Time for the presentation...

Earlier in the day, after elecing to bat, Hobart were going along steadily till the first 10. However, from 10-15, they did seem like losing their way but a magical innings from David took the score to 180-plus which we seemed was above par then. Finch and Marsh though came to life, they tried their best but it was the Hobart players who kept their cool and won the game and ensured progression.

More than the bowling, it was the captaincy which wasn't upto the mark! After the pacers went for plenty early on, the spinners did brilliantly to pull things back. However, one wonders why they were stopped and why did they change to pace again and that is where all the momentum shifted. From overs 9 to 12, runs were flowing and the tide completely changed into the favor of the batting side. However, it was a spinner again who changed the game, Sandeep Lamichhane who was the pick, broke the stand which was taking the game away from them and then Rogers and Riley Meredith showed their experience and helped their side get over the line.

Coming to the chase now, James Seymour got his side off to a flier but fell soon! Then came the stand though which we thought at that time, would be a match-winning one between Marsh and Finch. The two added over 100 with both scoring half tons. When the two were batting, it seemed the Renegades will cruise home but then came the twist! Marsh fell and then the others failed to score freely. That built the pressure on Finch who was dismissed in the second last over. 15 was needed in the last over, Sam Harper and Will Sutherland did try their best but it was an uphill task. Have to say, had Renegades had more experience in the middle-order, maybe a Nic Maddinson or a Nabi, they would have well won this game.

What a game of cricket! What an absolute beauty of a game this was and HOBART ARE THROUGH TO THE FINALS! They deserve this, they deserve to go through, especially after this win. They were chasing the game for most parts in the second half but kept their cool and have emerged over the line. Renegades on the other hand, will be very disappointed, they surely will feel they should have won this game. That is the reason though why they are at the bottom and the Hobart are going through.

OUT! CAUGHT! A sign of relief for the Hurricanes. They will now make it into the playoffs. It is a low full toss, on off. Will Sutherland throws his blade at it. The ball takes the outside edge and flies towards mid on. Matthew Wade runs to his right and completes the catch. HOBART HURRICANES WIN THE GAME BY 6 RUNS.

FOUR! Lovely drive! Full length ball, on off. Will Sutherland smashes it down the ground for a boundary. This went like a bullet. Are we in for a super over? For that to happen Will Sutherland need to hit this one out of the park.

Full toss and on off. Harper helps it to deep square leg for a single. Melbourne Renegades need two maximums to win the game now.

Melbourne Renegades need boundaries now. Fuller, on off. Will Sutherland slashes it to cover but only for a single.

BYE! Quick run! A short ball, above leg. Harper shuffles across and looks to heave it away but misses. The batters collect a bye.

Fuller, on middle and leg. Will Sutherland flicks it to fine leg for a single. 14 needed off 5 balls now with Harper on strike. Can he get his side over the line?

Who will bowl the last? Riley Meredith it is! This is probably the most important over he will be bowling in recent times. If he defends 14, his side will go through and if he does not, the Stars' game against Hobart becomes very important.

Length ball, on the pads. Harper flicks it through mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Will Sutherland is the new man in.

OUT! CAUGHT! Another one bites the dust. Thomas Rogers strikes again and sends back Merlo who was trying to get his side back in the mix. Fuller, on off. Merlo gets underneath and lofts it towards long on. D'Arcy Short takes the simplest of catches in the deep. Thomas Rogers on a hat-trick.