Mitchell Owen smashed a scintillating 39-ball century to lead Hobart Hurricanes to their maiden Big Bash League title.
Owen’s century, which was the joint-fastest in BBL history, helped the hosts blaze to a seven-wicket victory over David Warner’s Sydney Thunder with 30 balls to spare.
The 23-year-old Tasmanian opener clobbered 11 sixes as Thunder’s bowlers wilted under the onslaught.
Owen departed for 108 off 42 balls to leave Matthew Wade (32 off 17 balls) and Ben McDermott (18 off 12 balls) to steer Hurricanes to the trophy in front of a jubilant home support at Ninja Stadium in Hobart.
“It’s an amazing feeling,” said Owen. “I was doing what I’ve tried to do all competition – get us off to a good start so we could take it easy in the middle and thankfully I came off.”
Thunder were going well when openers Jason Sangha (67) and Warner (48) shared a 97-run opening stand before both were dismissed by Hurricanes captain Nathan Ellis (3-23).
Once again, fast bowler Riley Meredith, who has consistently bowled at speeds in excess of 90mph throughout the tournament, impressed with three middle-order wickets, including England’s Sam Billings, who was bowled for 20.
England’s Chris Jordan was expensive, finishing with 0-47 from four overs for Hurricanes, but a total of 182-7 was never going to be enough once Owen found his groove.
Victory was much deserved for Hurricanes, who finished top of the regular season table. It leaves Melbourne Stars as the only team yet to win a BBL title.
