In a Big Bash League classic defined by explosive batting, David Warner's magnificent unbeaten century was not enough to prevent the Hobart Hurricanes from pulling off a record run-chase against the Sydney Thunder.
Warner Wounds Back the Clock
Playing at Sydney's Engie Stadium on Saturday night, the veteran opener produced a masterclass, scoring 130 not out from just 65 deliveries. His innings, featuring 11 fours and nine sixes, powered the Thunder to a formidable total of 4-205. It was Warner's second BBL century and his first in the competition since December 2011, also setting a new highest individual score for the Thunder franchise.
Warner's knock was even more remarkable given the start of the Thunder's innings. Hobart's Will Prestwidge struck with the first two balls of the match, dismissing Matthew Gilkes and Sam Konstas. However, Prestwidge's hat-trick ball went wide, and Warner then took control. The former Australian star was particularly brutal at the death, taking 50 runs from the final 15 balls he faced.
Hurricanes Launch Stunning Reply
In response, the Hobart Hurricanes executed a perfectly planned assault. Openers Tim Ward and Mitch Owen tore into the Thunder bowling, putting on a blistering 108-run partnership in only 51 balls to immediately seize the momentum. Ward raced to 90 from 49 deliveries, while Owen smashed 45 from a mere 18, including five sixes.
Their efforts set the platform for a successful record chase at the Sydney Showground venue. Despite a minor stumble that saw three quick wickets fall—including Ward caught off Daniel Sams (3-36) when eyeing a century—the result was never truly in doubt. Nikhil Chaudhary provided the finishing touches with a calm 29 not out from 14 balls, guiding the Hurricanes to 4-207 with a comfortable 13 balls to spare.
Table Shake-Up and Warner's Milestone
The victory propelled the Hobart Hurricanes (5-2) to the top of the BBL ladder, while the Sydney Thunder (1-5) remain anchored to the bottom. Player-of-the-match David Warner acknowledged the power of the Hobart top order in his post-match comments.
"I thought (our total) was very competitive, but we knew up the top the strength and power that they had," Warner told Kayo Sports. "They dictated from the get-go." He also noted the absence of injured star Tim David, but conceded the Hurricanes' openers took the game away.
On a personal note, Warner's century moved him into equal-third place on the all-time list for most men's T20 hundreds. He now has nine centuries, sharing the spot with Rilee Rossouw and Virat Kohli, and sits behind only Chris Gayle (22) and Babar Azam (11).
The match will be remembered as a batting spectacle where individual brilliance was ultimately surpassed by a devastating team performance, underscoring the thrilling and unpredictable nature of the Big Bash League.
