Hobart cyclone begins black line|15 The team beat Sydney Thunder by four wickets in their third match of the season at Bellerive Oval in Hobart on Tuesday.

The Hurricanes showed composure and depth as they chased a competitive target of 181 points, crossing the line with one ball to spare.

Sydney Thunder reach 180 with valuable knocks from Cameron Bancroft and Shadab Khan

Matthew Gilkes got off to a good start for Sydney Thunder, scoring a quick 20 off just seven balls, but his innings came to an abrupt end as Billy Stanlake batted early. Stanlake continued to pile on the pressure, removing Sam Konstas (28) and later Cameron Bancroft, who top-scored with 61 off 44 balls.

Chris Jordan hit Sam Billings and Oliver Davies twice in quick succession, and the Thunder briefly swung at midfield.

Chris Jordan’s sheer beauty destroys the middle stumps! 💥 #goldenmoment pic.twitter.com/OOtiiwbzmj

— KFC Big Carnival League (@BBL) December 16, 2025

However, Shadab Khan (34 off 24) and Daniel Sams (23 not out in 11) steadied the innings and provided late acceleration.

The visitors ended the match strongly, reaching 180/6, although a disciplined bowling by Hobart (3/34 from Stanlake) ensured that the total was within reach.

Hobart Hurricanes’ top order sets tone for chase

Mitchell Owen and Nikhil Choudhury provide early impetus

Hobart’s chase began with Mitchell Owen dominating the power play with 32 off 14 balls, including seven boundaries. After Owen’s dismissal, Nikhil Chaudhary took control of the match, hitting a crucial 41 off 31 balls and stabilizing the innings in the middle overs.

Ben McDermott’s 38 off 24 added momentum to the side while the Hurricanes maintained a healthy run rate, maintaining the required run rate despite taking wickets at regular intervals.

Gone! McDermott fired it up from there and replaced a ball called 🚀 #BBL15 pic.twitter.com/B1Oay3PIpN

— KFC Big Carnival League (@BBL) December 16, 2025

Tim David and Wade provide late boost

The Hurricanes’ middle order ensured there was no panic in the chase. Tim David scored 17 points on 9 shots and goaltender Matthew Wade added 25 points on 16 shots, combining aggression with smart offensive rotations.

Although Shadab Khan briefly brought the Thunder back into the game with two wickets, Hobart remained calm towards the end of the game.

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Chris Jordan, Nathan Ellis finish work for Hurricanes

As the pressure mounted in the final over, Chris Jordan (16 not out in 13) and captain Nathan Ellis (5 not out in 8) mustered the courage to guide Hobart home. Jordan’s clinical performance proved decisive as the Hurricanes crossed the finish line with a score of 181/6 in 19.5 overs. A four-wicket win.

Sydney Thunder’s Shadab (2/36) and Chris Green (1/33) were the standout bowlers but the total proved to be a bit lacking on a good batting surface.

Defending champions Hobart Hurricanes open their account with a win Reply#cricket #HHvST #BBL15 pic.twitter.com/oyl08pfRex

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 16, 2025

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