BBL6 Game 20 Recap - Hobart Hurricanes v Sydney Thunder @ Blundstone Arena
Hobart Hurricanes 7/161 (20 overs) defeated by Sydney Thunder 4/162 (16.5 Overs)
Thunder Win Second Straight
The Sydney Thunder trounced a below par Hurricanes outfit in Hobart on Sunday night to keep their final’s hopes alive. It was a second straight win for the Thunder and after a 0-4 start they appear to finally getting things together. The win kept the Thunder's Top 4 hopes alive with the task now being to win their final two matches and see where that leaves them. After an excellent all round bowling display in ideal batting conditions at Blundstone Arena, the Thunder made light work of the 161 they were set overhauling the Hurricanes inside 17 overs for the loss of just 4 wickets. After reducing the Thunder to 2/10 early, Shane Watson and Fawad Ahmed bowled outstandingly through the middle overs to really strangle the Thunder, with only George Bailey (69n/o) really able to break free of the shackles. In reply, the Thunder were never made to sweat with overseas import James Vince making a compelling 44 on debut. Captain Shane Watson then returned to form with a brutal 51 n/o from 29 balls, as the Thunder cruised over the finishing line. The Hurricanes have now produced two very mediocre performances against the Strikers and Thunder to leave them just about dead in the water at 2-4. They will need to win their remaining two games and hope other results fall their way if they want to avoid a fourth straight season out of the finals.
Vince Makes Immediate Impression
Most of BBL6 I have been bemoaning the Thunder's lack of presence at the top of the batting order. I believe to win games consistently you need a big name opening the batting who is capable of scaring the opposition. They do now in Englishman James Vince, who right from Ball 1 asserted his class and authority on a run chase which could have proved tricky with a slow start. Vince exposed all three stumps and casually lifted Clive Rose's first ball over cover for 4, which was a real statement of intent and a signal of the self-belief Vince has in his own game. Vince was savage on anything short or wide, however most impressive were a couple of majestic lofted straight drives. Vince's 44 came from just 28 balls, but if truth be told, he looked in second gear most of the time, playing with elegance and confidence. Vince has already represented England in all three formats and has an excellent T20 record, averaging 29 with a strike rate of 128. His cameo for the Thunder this year might become something more long term should he produce something similar in the Thunder's last two games.
Thunder A Different Beast With Watson Firing
Shane Watson remains one of the most brutal top order T20 batsmen in the world and he finally reminded everyone of his talents last night. He had made a terrible start to his BBL6 campaign with the bat, poking and prodding his way to a measly 6 runs from 3 games. However, last night Watson exuded energy and sharpness from the get go, and quickly went up the gears belting five 6’s in his unbeaten 55 from 31 balls. Watson had obviously had enough of trying to nick and nudge his way back in, and really clobbered the ball last night, hitting it exceedingly hard. Watson is a real confidence and momentum batsman, and once he had rocked back and listen Cameron Boyce into the stands, he was away. He brutalised a below par Shaun Tait and the Hurricanes attack on his way to a dominant unbeaten half century. An in form and aggressive Watson makes the Thunder a totally different proposition in their final two games. For a side looking like they were going to be lucky to win a game at times through BBL6, suddenly they are building momentum at just the right time.
End Looks Nigh For Tait
Shaun Tait has looked a shadow of his former self in BBL6. Tait has just 4 wickets for 154, however he’s going for over 12 per over and his place in the Hurricanes’ line up must be in some jeopardy going forward. The big, strapping fast bowler has been the quickest and most intimidating fast bowler across the country at various points over the past decade. While Tait was never a model of consistency, he had the ability to rapid and be nasty. With his low, slinging action and unpredictability, Tait became a nightmare for most batsman with his ability to bowl two lengths - short and aggressive or full and right at the pegs. However it's clear his pace is waning, and with it the ability to get inside the head of batsmen. If truth be told, Tait looks close to cannon fodder against the genuine top order batsmen in this competition. Instead of looking to survive his four over burst, they now see him as the weak link, with his pace skidding onto the ball nicely. You don't want to completely write off Tait given he is only 33 and has carried a few niggling injuries throughout the tournament, however I think his value for further T20 tournaments around the world would be plummeting right now.
Lurker Lands Monster High Bat Double But Drops Game
It was a strange night for the Lurker as he suffered a humiliating defeat as the Thunder crushed the Hurricanes. It was the first time The Lurker had picked the Hurricanes all tournament and I doubt he will be backing up after that display. However, he did land a massive $33 high bat double with George Bailey and Shane Watson both top scoring for their respective sides. The Lurker is now 14-6, but a mediocre 4-5 since the turn of the year.