Hobart Hurricanes have clinched a tense four-wicket victory over the Perth Scorchers at Optus Stadium, but the win was severely tempered by a potentially season-ending hamstring injury to star batter Tim David.
David's Heroics and Heartbreak
The match turned on a pivotal, yet painful, innings from Tim David. Chasing the Scorchers' total of 8-150, the Hurricanes found themselves in deep trouble at 3-39 after an early onslaught from Perth's Cooper Connolly, who finished with impressive figures of 3-23.
David, alongside Nikhil Chaudhary (34 off 30), staged a brilliant rescue mission. David was at his powerful best, smashing 42 runs from just 28 deliveries to put Hobart back in the box seat. However, in a cruel twist during the 15th over, David pinged his hamstring while running a single and was forced to retire hurt with the score at 4-103.
Commentator Brad Hodge labelled the moment "a disaster for the big fella," adding that if the injury was serious, it would be "the biggest blow to the tournament for any team." After the match, David told Channel 7 he "felt a little bit of something" and said the situation was "not ideal."
Wright and Jordan Steer Hurricanes Home
With their key man sidelined, Mac Wright and Chris Jordan stepped up under immense pressure to guide Hobart to the target with three balls to spare in front of 42,620 fans. Needing 14 runs from the final eight deliveries, Wright – a late call-up for the rested Matthew Wade – sealed the deal by hitting Scorchers captain Aaron Hardie for a six and a four off consecutive balls.
Hurricanes skipper Nathan Ellis heaped praise on Wright. "He was sort of a bit of a last-minute call up... He would have been thinking about Christmas ham and chilling on the couch," Ellis said. "To get a phone call and fly over to Perth, and find yourself in a tense game needing to get the boys over the line (is big). I’m just really proud of him."
For Hardie, it was a tough night, conceding 0-42 from his three overs. Teammate Finn Allen backed the allrounder, stating, "Look, it’s T20 cricket, everyone can have an off day sometimes."
Scorchers' Innings Falters After Strong Start
Earlier, the Perth Scorchers wasted a solid platform. Finn Allen provided a blistering start with 43 off 23 balls, supported by Nick Hobson (29) and Laurie Evans (27). However, after Allen was caught on the boundary with the score at 3-73 in the ninth over, Perth's innings lost its momentum.
Riley Meredith was the most economical bowler for Hobart, taking 2-19 from his four overs, including the key wicket of Mitch Marsh for 16. Spinner Rishad Hossain was the most destructive, claiming 3-33 and removing danger men Cooper Connolly, Aaron Hardie, and Laurie Evans.
Final Implications and Injury Cloud
The victory improves the Hurricanes' record to a strong 3-1, solidifying their position in the tournament. However, the major talking point is the fitness of Tim David. With the BBL final scheduled for January 25, David now faces a race against time to be fit for the finals series, casting a significant shadow over Hobart's title defence hopes.
The Scorchers, who were looking to rebound from a shock loss to Brisbane, now must regroup after failing to defend a modest total on their home deck.
