Mitchell Owen Century Lead Hobart Hurricanes The Winner Of BBL 24-25
In the nail-biting, blood-pumping climax of the Big Bash League 2024-25 at the Bellerive Oval, Hobart Hurricanes pulled one over their counterparts in what could well be one of the most talked-about games in T20 cricket, largely directed by Mitchell Owen’s unbelievable batting feats. The atmosphere was teeming with excitement, with packed stadiums buzzing with cricket lovers, to witness what ultimately became a historical encounter.
Winning the toss, Sydney Thunder decided to bat first on what looked like a bowler-friendly pitch, albeit a batting strip for those competent enough to negotiate it. A dream start was given to the Thunder by David Warner and Jason Sangha, who put on a whopping 97 runs for the first wicket. The experience Warner was a bit more destructive, smashing 48 off 32 balls, before Hurricane’s captain Nathan Ellis with a splendidly disguised slower ball had him on his way back. Sangha was a more patient partner, getting to 67 before Ellis broke up the partnership again, this time with a soaked yorker.
Post the openers, the Thunder innings suffered a momentary stagnation, with Ellis and Riley Meredith getting it spot-on in terms of line and length as well as pace. Meredith’s spell was particularly devastating, snaring the key wickets of Sam Billings, Oliver Davies, and George Garton in successive order. Chris Green and Matthew Gilkes, however, revived the innings with a timely partnership for the Thunder. Green, in particular, made a whirlwind finish with some well-placed boundaries as the Thunder set a decent score of 182 for 7 in 20 overs.
Also Read: Mitchell Owen Hits Century In BBL Final : Joint Fastest Centurion Beside Craig Simmons
But where the chase ultimately lit the match was in Mitchell Owen really getting into the act for the Hurricanes. From the first ball, it was obvious what this lad was going to do; it was a proper take-and-earn game for him. With an outlook of total aggression, Owen batted elegantly; every shot he executed looked almost effortless. This was followed by a boundary off Tom Andrews, setting up the storm that was to follow.
Owen’s innings displayed the art of T20 batting; he seemed to have answers to every prompt. Against McAndrew’s pace, he was sprightly on his feet, using the bowler’s pace to his advantage, most notably as he flicked a full toss over fine leg for six that brought the crowd on their feet. Against spin, he was just as stylish, using his feet to the pitch of the ball to drive straight on with conviction.
The power surge had Owen in his element. His first four overs will see him score 42 runs from 8 balls, including 6 boundaries as he demonstrated his total control over the pace of the match. The two partnered well; when one slowed down, the other would pick it back up, and their run rate spiked. It was then down to Owen to make sure he kept the flow with Jewell and Nikhil Chaudhary gone as he brought his five-over mark in just 16 balls-a BBL final record.
It was clear that Owen’s innings was not merely one of raw might; that is to say, the shot selection was strategic. He used the field to intelligent advantage, driving into areas the fielders weren’t covering, and when he did unleash the big hits, they were calculated risktaking, not just reckless swipes. He powered his innings with an unbeaten 108 off 42 balls, with 4 sixes and 6 fours testifyin’ his dominance on the bowling attack.
Ben McDermott and Matthew Wade were there to play supporting acts, with aspirations of doing it at a fast pace, as if it were Owen’s show. Moments of Owen’s innings were pure class, whether it was the pull shot off Wes Agar that split the field or the inside-out drive over extra cover against Tanveer Sangha.
The Hurricanes chased down the target in 14.1 overs, winning by 7 wickets. Owen’s performance was not just match-winning but defining matchwise and probably cemented him in BBL folklore. His innings was a combination of brute power, timing, and placement with just the right amount of BBL style-everything a brilliant individual performance should have inspired us.
For the Sydney Thunder, this was a lesson in fortitude and the tiny margins that may cause the loss of several frantic overs in T20 cricket. Even as they posted an upright total, a pretty ordinary and certainly remembered performance by Owen showed the difference. The match was more than a match; it was real cricket at its very best, the highlight of this night being Owen’s masterchef.
