The Hobart Hurricanes rode a night of explosive batting to an 11-run win over the Strikers at Adelaide Oval on Friday.
The Hurricanes batted first and posted 214, the biggest total of BBL14 so far, despite losing the bat flip.
Ben McDermott was the chief destroyer for the visitors, finishing unbeaten on 68 runs off 34 balls. McDermott’s innings featured three fours and five sixes, with almost a quarter of his balls turned into boundaries.
Shai Hope (37 off 22) and Tim David (33 off 14) also did their fair share of damage.
It was a tough night for Adelaide’s attack, with Jamie Overton (2-27 off 4 overs) the only bowler able to somewhat stifle Hobart’s run rate.
Overton’s pair of wickets also saw him become the equal-leading wicket taker for BBL14 so far, tied with Jason Behrendorff, Tom Rogers, and teammate Lloyd Pope.
Following the innings break, Strikers openers Matt Short (52 runs off 29 balls) and D’Arcy Short (41 off 22) wasted little time in their attempt to chase down the Hurricanes’ imposing total.
They put together an opening partnership of 76 before D'Arcy Short fell.
Matt Short brought up his 14th BBL half-century with an emphatic six, before being caught by Nathan Ellis moments later. The Strikers’ English duo of Ollie Pope (39 off 27) and Jamie Overton (30* off 16) submitted gutsy knocks, but when Pope fell in the 18th over, Adelaide’s hopes were all but dashed.
It was a valiant chase from the home team, ultimately falling short at 6-203.
The Strikers will be back in action when they host the Perth Scorchers at Adelaide Oval on New Year's Eve.