Hurricanes down Thunder in another BBL05 thriller

Tasmanians have again voted with their feet.  More than 17,000 fans crowded into Blundstone Arena to watch a thriller between their own Hurricanes and the undefeated Sydney Thunder.

Hussey won the toss and sent the home side into bat.  The first 6 overs saw an over each from Green, Sandhu, Russell, McKay, Watson and Kallis.  Macquarie Radio cricket commentator, Dean Jones, says their bowling has been fantastic throughout this season’s competition and the reason they have won 3.  ‘It provides options for all different scenarios and different pitches.  It means they haven’t had to chase down big scores’

However, Hobart Hurricanes were able to post a competitive score mostly due to George Bailey, who made 56* (29) with Wells and Paine posting scores in the 20’s, setting the Thunder a chase of 164.

Thanks to a few Shaun Tait lightning bolts, the big wickets of Kallis and Watson fell in the first over. The Thunder were reeling at 2/1 and the parochial crowd were delirious.  Not only were they able to regroup, Mike Hussey’s seemingly ageless performance looked certain to carry them to the line

This game was all but won at the start of the 16th over. Captain Tim Paine then made the courageous decision to bring on Boyce against Andre Russell. The 1st delivery ended up in the top deck of the Ricky Ponting stand, the 3rd was caught by the diving Wells, who is fast making a household name for himself in the field.

Sensational fielding continued in the 17th over.  Hussey was caught in the deep, a direct hit ran out Hartley and a full length diving catch to wicket keeper, Paine saw off Green.  Dominating batting performances in the first 3 matches for the Thunder meant the middle to lower order had not faced a ball. And it showed.

Hobart Hurricanes win by 11 runs.  Shaun Tait is named Man of the Match 3/16 off 4 overs.

Cameron Boyce joined the Macquarie Radio team following the match.