The Hobart Hurricanes now hold a nine-game winning streak at Ninja Stadium off the back of experienced finisher Matt Wade getting the home side over the line against the Melbourne Renegades.
The man who helped Australia claim its first T20 World Cup, Wade came in at 4-86 and helped guide the ‘Canes home to a four wicket win.
Chasing 163 for victory, the Hurricanes struggled to get the Renegades bowlers away early, going at 3-67 at the halfway mark.
Wade (43 not out from 20 balls) came in at a tough period with Renegades spinner Adam Zampa ripped through the Hurricanes line up with three quick wickets as the run rate required got close to 10 an over.
But using his experience and supported by Rehan Ahmed (23 from 14 balls) and Chris Jordan at the end, Wade helped the Hurricanes to their fourth win of the BBL season.
The win for the Hurricanes continues to hold an eight year winning streak against the Renegades, who haven’t won in Hobart since 2017.
The Hurricanes welcomed back Test squad member Beau Webster who looked set for a big night with the bat before being caught on 27 from 20 balls for his first hit in the middle since the beginning of November.
The Renegades started off brilliantly with the bat, sitting at 4-101 after their 10 overs and looked set for a big score before Hurricanes skipper Nathan Ellis (3-30) and Rishad Hossain (2-34) just swung momentum back into the home side’s favour.
The Hurricanes, who now sit with four wins to start their title defence will host Perth Scorchers while the Renegades turn their heads to the Sydney Sixers at Marvel Stadium with both games being played on New Year’s Day.
HAIL MATT WADE
When the game was on the line for the Hurricanes, they were searching for someone to stand up – enter Matt Wade.
The powerful hitting Wade came in and played an experienced and mature innings to help chase down the 163 target as the former Australian wicket keeper was not out 43 off 20 balls.
Matthew Wade blasts the ‘Canes to victory.
ZAMPA ALMOST THE DIFFERENCE
The Renegades needed a bowler to stand up to end an eight year losing streak in Hobart and they got the answer from Australia’s best leg spinner since Shane Warne.
Adam Zampa finished with 3-25 which included the three big wickets of Tim Ward, Ben McDermott and Nikhil Chaudhary.
Zampa changed the match for the Renegades and put them in the box seat before Hurricanes bat Matt Wade swung it back in the home sides favour.
Nikhil Chaudhary hurt while fielding
ANOTHER HURRICANE DOWN
Hobart were told they will be without Tim David for the remainder of the BBL15 season, now they will turn their attention to the injury of the dynamic player of Nikhil Chaudhary.
Chaudhary leaped for a catch just inside the boundary with the ball bouncing through his hands and as he fell down, the all-rounder instantly grabbed his right shoulder and looked in serious discomfort.
The all-rounder wasn’t seen again in the bowling innings but was required to bat coming out when the Hurricanes were sitting at 3-61.