STA VS HUR T20S

Right then, that is it from this exciting game of cricket but there's a lot of action remaining in the Big Bash League 2022-23. The next game will be played on Tuesday, the 10th of January between Adelaide Strikers and Melbourne Renegades at the Adelaide Oval and will begin at 2.10 pm IST (8.40 am GMT). You can, however, join us early for the build-up. Cheers!

Nathan Ellis is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his exceptional bowling. Ellis says that he felt really good and after the last two games they had time to analyze their mistakes. Admits that the game went closer than they would have liked but it is good to win. Explains that at the Drinks break, they were going well and thought they could continue the way they were going. Says that they wanted to take it deep and take the Power Surge toward the end of the inning. Mentions that the tournament is reaching a crucial juncture and it is not about the first 7 games but how they play from now onwards. Ends by saying that he is enjoying his bowling and it helps when you are taking wickets.

The Presentation ceremony...

Earlier in the game, the stand-in skipper for Hobart Hurricanes, Nathan Ellis opted to bowl first and this decision proved to be the right one as the hosts picked up a couple of wickets to put the opposition on the back foot. Then came the 60-run stand between Hilton Cartwright and Beau Webster in which the former started off quickly but failed to keep up the momentum. Both of them fell and from there, the Hurricanes' bowlers dominated proceedings restricting the Stars to just 131 runs. Ellis led from the front and picked up two wickets and the others bowled pretty well too. Coming to the chase, the Hurricanes were well in control until they lost Caleb Jewell who made 70 quick runs but just about managed to recover from a slump to get the victory.

Melbourne Stars needed something special from their bowlers and Liam Hatcher did provide them with a good start but none of the other bowlers were able to take advantage of it. They seemed to be down and out of the game but Hatcher came back in to get rid of Caleb Jewelll which opened the floodgates for the visitors. They kept on chipping away with timely wickets and all of a sudden found themselves in a position from where anything could happen. In the end, the shortage of runs from the batters did prove to be decisive and they ended up losing yet another game, their 6th defeat of the season.

With just 132 runs needed for the win on a pitch that generally is excellent for batting, the Hurricanes lost talismanic opener Ben McDermott really early. But that didn't matter much as Caleb Jewell just smoked the ball all over the ground and added 84 runs for the second wicket alongside Zak Crawley. With the score 94/1, Caleb got out and the Hurricanes ended up losing 7 wickets for 35 runs. On the verge of a huge collapse, they somehow managed to fight their way through and get the important two points on board.

What a fortuitous way to end things but Hobart Hurricanes won't mind it at all! Huge drama out in the middle as Nathan Ellis, the captain of Hobart Hurricanes hits the winning runs and gets his side over the line in this humdinger of a match. They now go level on points with Adelaide Strikers with their fourth win and open up a four-point gap between themselves and Melbourne Stars who stay rooted to the foot of the table with this loss.

FOUR! This is an anti-climax! Hobart Hurricanes need a stroke of luck to get over the finish line! Luke Wood bowls this on a good length and just outside the off pole. Nathan Ellis looks to push this into the off side but gets an inside edge that flies past the stumps towards fine leg for four runs. Hobart Hurricanes win by 2 wickets and will breathe a huge sigh of relief.

The skipper, Nathan Ellis walks in with his side on the verge of a monumental collapse. Can be he their savior?

OUT! CAUGHT! Oh my! What are we witnessing here? Asif Ali gives away his wicket and Hobart Hurricanes stumble once again! Luke Wood bowls this on a good length and outside the off stump. Asif Ali looks to hit this on the up over mid off but does not connect cleanly. The ball loops straight into the hands of Thomas Rogers and Melbourne Stars have claimed the eighth wicket. The need two more wickets to seal a very unlikely win!

SIX! That should release some pressure! Luke Wood bangs this in short and outside off. Asif Ali pulls this and connects well to send the ball over deep backward square leg for a biggie! Just 3 runs are needed now!

Luke Wood starts the over from 'round the wicket and bowls this on a good length, outside off. Asif Ali feels for this and gets beaten all ends up.

Hobart Hurricanes have finally taken the Power Surge! They are a couple of hits away but can the lower-order batters clear the infield and get the win? Also, Luke Wood comes back in to finish his spell.

This is on a good length and angled into the left-hander from outside off. Tom Andrews blocks this solidly back towards the bowler.

Tom Andrews is the new man in.

OUT! CAUGHT! Looks like the game is turning! Melbourne Stars will definitely believe that they are still in this game! This is banged in short and outside the off stump. Faheem Ashraf goes for the pull shot and ends up top-edging it towards mid on. Thomas Rogers runs forward and takes this safely. Hobart Hurricanes lose their seventh wicket now and will Melbourne Stars are clawing their way back into this game.

This is fuller and tighter around off, Faheem Ashraf hits it toward mid on and Asif Ali looks for the single. The fielder over there is quick to get onto the bat and has a shy at the non-striker's end. Just keeping Ali honest there.