The Hobart Hurricanes delivered a commanding seven-wicket victory over the Melbourne Renegades on Sunday night, a dominant performance that propelled the defending champions to the top of the Big Bash League ladder. The win, sealed with 37 balls to spare at GMHBA Stadium in Geelong, was built on a career-best bowling display from Chris Jordan and a blistering, roof-clearing innings from Nikhil Chaudhary.
Jordan Sets the Tone with Maiden Over
Chris Jordan produced his finest BBL figures, taking 4-19 from his four overs to dismantle the Renegades' top order. The English international bowled the first maiden over of the entire BBL season, sending down nine dot balls to start the match and immediately applying scoreboard pressure. "Somebody had to step up and play a slightly different role," Jordan said after being named Player of the Match. His efforts restricted the home side to a modest 9-145 from their 20 overs in damp conditions.
Chaudhary's Roof-Clearing Spectacle
The chase was then ignited by Nikhil Chaudhary, who played the innings of his BBL career. The Hurricanes batsman smashed 78 runs from just 39 deliveries, featuring seven fours and four colossal sixes. The highlight was a monstrous hit that sailed clean over the roof of the grandstand, leaving commentators in disbelief. "Did that actually go over the roof?" exclaimed Andy Maher. The distance was measured at 103 metres, though it may have travelled further. "It's gone more than that, poor old Hawkeye should just make it up after that," Maher added.
Hurricanes Cruise to Victory
Ben McDermott provided sterling support, finishing the game with a six to remain unbeaten on 49 from 33 balls. He and Chaudhary combined for a decisive 93-run partnership for the third wicket, steering Hobart to 3-149 in just 13.5 overs. This comprehensive win was the perfect response to their loss against the Melbourne Stars at the MCG just days earlier. "It was just nice, more importantly as a team, to bounce back after the defeat," Jordan remarked, highlighting the improved fielding efforts and attitude.
For the Renegades, it was a sobering defeat after a winning start to the season against Brisbane. Despite a 62-run stand between Tim Seifert (34) and Mohammad Rizwan (32), they never recovered from Jordan's early strikes and a brilliant running catch by captain Will Sutherland to dismiss Tim Ward. Hobart's wicketkeeper Matthew Wade also took a spectacular leaping catch to remove Oliver Peake.
The Hurricanes now head to Perth for their Boxing Day clash, sitting proudly at the summit of the BBL, their title defence firmly on track after a statement performance in Geelong.
