As the Perth Scorchers and Hobart Hurricanes prepare to reignite their rivalry in a highly anticipated Boxing Day Big Bash League clash, fans are set for another thrilling chapter. The two franchises have built a compelling history packed with memorable performances, nail-biting finishes, and high-stakes drama.
Unforgettable Innings and Narrow Defeats
The rivalry has seen some remarkable individual batting displays. In 2020 at Optus Stadium, former WA player D'Arcy Short hammered a defiant message to the Scorchers, smashing a century for the Hurricanes. Despite being dropped four times, Short's powerful knock of 100 not out, including seven sixes, set up a formidable total of 4-180. The Scorchers, led by Mitch Marsh's 48, fought hard, with a blistering 33 not out from 14 balls by Jhye Richardson providing late hope. However, they fell just eight runs short in a tense finish.
Conversely, Mitch Marsh announced his return to the BBL in 2021 with a stunning century at Bellerive Oval. Fresh from T20 World Cup glory with Australia, 'The Bison' struggled initially before exploding late. He blasted D'Arcy Short for three sixes in the 19th over and launched Nathan Ellis onto the hill in the 20th to reach 99, eventually running a single to complete his maiden T20 hundred. His unbeaten 100 powered Perth to 5-182, a total they defended ruthlessly by bowling Hobart out for 129.
Last-Over Thrillers and Semifinal Shocks
The clashes are also defined by extraordinary finishes. In a 2019 meeting at Optus Stadium, the Hobart Hurricanes looked doomed, needing 25 runs from 14 balls with no set batter after George Bailey's dismissal for 69. Step forward James 'The Finisher' Faulkner, who sensationally took down star Scorchers bowler Andrew Tye in the final over, hitting two sixes and a four to steal a stunning three-ball victory. This loss severely dented Perth's finals hopes that season.
Perhaps the most shocking result came in the first-ever BBL semifinal at the new Optus Stadium in 2018. A record crowd of 52,960 expected the table-topping Scorchers to advance, but the Hurricanes, missing D'Arcy Short, flipped the script. Matthew Wade (71) and a brutal 67 not out from 30 balls by Ben McDermott, featuring six sixes, propelled Hobart to a massive 4-210. The Scorchers crumbled to 7-68 in reply, eventually bundled out for 139 in a dominant away victory that sent the Hurricanes to the final.
The Historic First Championship
Topping the list is the most significant match in their shared history: the BBL|03 Final in 2014 at the WACA Ground. After losing the first two finals at home, the Perth Scorchers were determined to break the curse. They posted a commanding 4-194, fueled by Shaun Marsh's classy 63 not out and a blistering 37 from just 12 balls by younger brother Mitch. In reply, despite a fighting 58 from Hobart's George Bailey, the Hurricanes were always behind the rate. The iconic 43-year-old Brad Hogg was instrumental, taking 2-17 from his four overs as chants of 'Hoggy' filled the air. The Scorchers secured a 42-run win to claim their maiden BBL title, the first of what would become a dynasty.
These five classic encounters set the stage for another explosive meeting between two of the BBL's most competitive sides this Boxing Day.
