Right then, that is all we have from another entertaining game in the Big Bash League 2022-23. We will have double-header on Friday, December 23rd. First up, it will be Melbourne Stars going up against Perth Scorchers. That game will start at 10 am IST (4.30 am GMT). In the second game, we will have Brisbane Heat taking on Adelaide Strikers and that game will begin at 1.30 pm IST (8 am GMT). Do join us for the build-up of both the games. Cheers!
Josh Philippe is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH. He says that they knew how difficult the wicket woule be. Mentions that he focused on taking on the bowlers in the Powerplay. Adds that he is really happy to contribute for his side.
Earlier, the game was delayed due to rain and was reduced to 14 overs per side and Sixers openers came out all guns blazing. They faltered in the middle overs with Hobart Hurricanes spinners finding breakthroughs regularly. However, they finished well with Hayden Kerr scoring 32 off 20 balls and that score of 137 proved just enough in the end.
Sixers bowlers backed up the good work done by their batters and kept the pressure on with some tight bowling right throughout the chase. The spinners were fantastic and apart from that one 13th over which was bowled by Hayden Kerr, everything went according to the plans for the Sixers. A special mention should be given to Naveen-ul-Haq, he kept his cool when Asif Ali was going all guns blazing and got his team over the line in the end.
Hobart Hurricanes are a very strong batting unit with plenty of power hitters but they just could not find the rhythm till the last two overs. The openers started decently but they departed in two consecutive overs and after that, almost all the batters struggled to get the timing. They looked completely down and out at one moment with 45 needed off 12 balls. The Power Surge was taken at that point and David departed in the very first ball but Asif Ali was not ready to back down so easily and unleashed all his might as he smashed 41 off just 13 balls. However, it was a little too much for one man in the end and his wicket in the last over sealed the deal for the Sixers.
Sydney Sixers have notched up their first win of the season after some nervy moments in the last two overs. Asif Ali nearly threatened to pull off a spectacular heist here but the Sixers prevailed in the end which would be a big relief after disappointing losses in the opening two games. Hobart Hurricanes, on the other hand, have a good depth in their squad which was evident in the backend of this game but they need to be more clinical in their execution to get consistent wins under their belt.
HOBART HURRICANES
131/7 (14.0)
41 (13)
17 (13)
2/32 (3)
2/36 (3)
Over 14
1wd
4
W
0
2
1
6
Joel Paris*
7 (2)
Nathan Ellis
3 (3)
Naveen-ul-Haq
1/36 (3)
HUR
131/7
6
13.6
Naveen-ul-Haq to Joel Paris ,SIX! Joel Paris is able to end Hobart Hurricanes' innings on a positive note here but could not get them over the victory line. It is full and on off. Joel Paris smokes it over the long off fence for a maximum. Sydney Sixers win the match by 6 runs.
1
13.5
Naveen-ul-Haq to Nathan Ellis ,A length ball, around off. Nathan Ellis gets it out and crosses for a quick single.
2
13.4
Naveen-ul-Haq to Nathan Ellis ,Short ball, wide of off. Nathan Ellis pulls it behind square on the leg side for a brace.
0
13.3
Naveen-ul-Haq to Nathan Ellis ,Length, outside off. Nathan Ellis tries to drive but without any foot movement and misses.
Nathan Ellis is the next man in.
W
13.2
Naveen-ul-Haq to Asif Ali ,OUT! CAUGHT! Asif Ali holes out and he could not get his side over the line here. Nonetheless, he gave it his all. It is a full-length delivery, on leg stump. Asif Ali uses his feet and smacks it high in the air towards deep mid-wicket. Jordan Silk settles under it near the ropes and takes a sharp catch under pressure. If he would've parried it into the fence then things could've been fiesty.
4
13.1
Naveen-ul-Haq to Asif Ali ,FOUR! Top quality shot. It is full, outside off. Asif Ali leans in and creams it through covers for a boundary. This is surely game on.
1wd
13.1
Naveen-ul-Haq to Joel Paris ,TWO WIDES! It is full, angling down leg. Joel Paris misses to flick it away. Asif Ali calls for a run and gets through. The umpire also signals a wide.
Over 13
W
1
6
4
6
6
Asif Ali*
37 (11)
Joel Paris
1 (1)
Hayden Kerr
2/36 (3)
HUR
116/6
6
12.6
Hayden Kerr to Asif Ali ,SIX! Three maximums in off the over! It is a full toss, wide outside off. Asif Ali reads it early and dispatches it over the cover fence for a biggie.
6
12.5
Hayden Kerr to Asif Ali ,SIX! Asif Ali is only dealing in boundaries here. This one goes all the way and Hobart Hurricanes still have hope. This is short, on leg. Asif Ali hangs back and smokes it over the mid-wicket fence for the second maximum of the over.
4
12.4
Hayden Kerr to Asif Ali ,FOUR! Asif Ali is putting up a solid show here. He has a lot of fight left in him. It is full, outside off, shaping away. Asif Ali throws the kitchen sink at it. The ball takes the outside edge and flies towards the third man fence.