Hobart Hurricanes once again proved why they are a formidable side at home, edging past Melbourne Renegades with a composed chase built around experience, discipline, and late-order composure. Veteran wicketkeeper-batter Matthew Wade and captain Nathan Ellis played decisive roles in a victory that further strengthened Hobart’s position early in the Big Bash League season.
Match Snapshot
- Match: Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Renegades, BBL Match 15
- Venue: Bellerive Oval, Hobart
- Result: Hobart Hurricanes won by 4 wickets
- Player of the Match: Nathan Ellis
Score Brief
Melbourne Renegades posted a competitive total of 162 for 9 in 20 overs. Hobart Hurricanes replied with 163 for 6 in 19 overs, sealing the chase with six balls remaining.
Ellis Sets the Tone with the Ball
Hobart’s captain Nathan Ellis once again delivered under pressure, using variations and sharp execution to break Melbourne’s early momentum. His three-wicket spell ensured the Renegades were unable to fully capitalise on their brisk start, particularly after the powerplay.
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nathan Ellis | 4 | 30 | 3 |
Ellis removed key batters at crucial moments, preventing the Renegades from accelerating through the middle overs.
Renegades Start Fast, Fade Late
Melbourne began aggressively, with Josh Brown and Tim Seifert attacking from the outset. The opening overs suggested a total well beyond par, but Hobart’s disciplined bowling gradually slowed the scoring rate.
A clever slower delivery from Ellis accounted for Brown, while steady pressure at the other end forced batters to take risks. Despite contributions from Muhammad Rizwan and Oliver Peake, Melbourne could not maintain their early tempo.
Wade Anchors the Chase Under Pressure
Hobart’s reply never truly ran away from them, but it required composure after a series of modest starts from the top order. No Hurricanes batter crossed the half-century mark, yet the innings was carefully stitched together.
Matthew Wade, stepping up after Tim David’s tournament-ending injury earlier in the day, absorbed the pressure expertly. Batting deep into the innings, Wade remained unbeaten on 43 from 30 deliveries, timing his acceleration perfectly.
The finishing touch came in the final overs, where Wade struck boundaries at exactly the right moments, ensuring the required rate never spiralled out of control.
Key Partnership Turns the Game
The turning point arrived through a vital sixth-wicket stand between Wade and Rehan Ahmed. Their partnership steadied the chase after quick wickets had momentarily put Hobart under stress.
| Partnership | Runs |
|---|---|
| Matthew Wade & Rehan Ahmed | 38 |
Rehan’s positive intent complemented Wade’s calm approach, keeping Hobart ahead of the required rate during a tense phase.
Webster Shows Intent, Zampa Strikes Back
Beau Webster made the most of his opportunity, striking a couple of clean sixes in a brisk cameo. However, Adam Zampa briefly tilted the contest Melbourne’s way with a sharp over that removed Tim Ward and Ben McDermott in quick succession.
Despite Zampa’s three-wicket haul, Hobart’s lower-middle order held firm and refused to panic.
Hobart Strengthen Position, Renegades Struggle
This result marked Hobart’s second win over Melbourne Renegades in just over a week, pushing the Hurricanes to a strong 4–1 record. The Renegades, meanwhile, remain stuck near the foot of the table with just one win so far.
Speaking after the match, Wade highlighted Hobart’s confidence at home and acknowledged the challenge posed by the new-ball movement under lights.
With momentum firmly on their side, Hobart Hurricanes continue to look like one of the most balanced units in this year’s competition.
