The Hobart Hurricanes have captured their first Big Bash League (BBL) title in a thrilling final at Bellerive Oval on January 27, defeating the Sydney Thunder by seven wickets. The victory was largely thanks to an extraordinary performance from 23-year-old Mitch Owen, who blasted a scintillating 42-ball century, equal to the fastest ever recorded in BBL history, as the Hurricanes chased down Thunder’s total of 182-7 with 35 balls to spare.
Owen’s monumental knock was the highlight of the final, a dazzling display of power hitting that included 11 sixes and 9 fours, taking the game away from the Thunder in just 42 balls. His 108 runs came at a blistering strike rate of 257.14, and the innings was a perfect showcase of his breakout season. Owen had already been in superb form, amassing 452 runs at a strike rate of 204 across the competition, but his performance in the final marked the pinnacle of his T20 career to date. His half-century, which came off just 16 balls, set a new record for the fastest fifty in a BBL final, setting the tone for a dominant chase.
The Hurricanes’ chase was off to a flying start as Owen and his opening partner Caleb Jewell, who played an important supporting role early on, raced to 74 runs in the first six overs, exploiting a Thunder bowling attack that was unable to contain the onslaught. However, the Thunder fought back briefly with leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha dismissing both Jewell and Nikhil Chaudhary in quick succession, but Owen remained impervious. After his fifty, Owen’s attack showed no signs of slowing down, and his hundred came up in 39 balls, matching Craig Simmons' record for the fastest BBL century, a feat last achieved in the 2014 final for Perth Scorchers.
The Bellerive Oval crowd erupted in applause as Owen brought up the milestone with a quick single, and although he holed out in the deep shortly after reaching the three-figure mark, his work was largely done. At 108 runs, he had given his team a commanding position in the game. Matthew Wade (24) and Ben McDermott (13) finished off the job with calm heads, easing the Hurricanes to 185-3 with 35 balls remaining, and securing their first-ever BBL title.
Earlier in the day, Sydney Thunder had set a competitive total of 182-7 after being put into bat by Hurricanes’ captain Matthew Wade. The Thunder's openers, David Warner and Jason Sangha, came out with intent, blasting 97 runs in the first 10 overs to quiet the home crowd and establish a solid platform. Warner, who was playing in his first BBL final since his leadership ban was lifted, played with his usual flair, making 48 before being dismissed caught behind off seamer Nathan Ellis. This breakthrough for the Hurricanes sparked a shift in momentum, with Ellis and fellow quick Riley Meredith tightening the screws.
Ellis, in particular, played a key role, picking up three wickets for 34 runs. He dismissed Matthew Gilkes for a duck and then claimed the vital scalp of Sam Billings, who was bowled by a searing delivery that rattled the stumps. Meanwhile, Meredith, who had been in superb form throughout the season, chipped in with another crucial wicket. Sangha, who top-scored for Thunder with a well-made 67, fell to Ellis, caught in the deep as the Hurricanes' bowlers found their rhythm at the death.
Despite a late surge from Thunder's tail-enders, the Hurricanes kept their composure, with spinners and fast bowlers alike chipping in to limit the total to a manageable one. Thunder had been looking at a total closer to 200, but the Hurricanes' disciplined bowling effort ensured they never truly ran away with the game. The innings finished at 182-7, which ultimately proved insufficient as the Hurricanes’ batting attack, led by the explosive Owen, was too powerful to be contained.
For the Hurricanes, this victory marks a significant achievement in the club’s history. It is their first-ever Big Bash League title, and they were deserving winners after dominating both with the bat and ball throughout the final. Owen's stunning display will likely attract attention from overseas leagues, and his performance in the final will go down as one of the most memorable in BBL history. With the win, the Hurricanes secured their place in Australian cricketing folklore, and their victory was a testament to their consistent performance throughout the season.
Looking ahead, attention now shifts back to domestic cricket, with the Sheffield Shield set to resume on February 8. Meanwhile, Australia’s national team is preparing for a short tour of Sri Lanka, ahead of their participation in the ICC Champions Trophy, where they will face England in Lahore on February 22. For now, however, all eyes are on the Hobart Hurricanes, who can finally celebrate their well-deserved triumph as BBL champions.
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