KEY POINTS
- Steve Smith’s explosive 65 from 43 balls set a commanding foundation for the Sydney Sixers’ total of 198.
- A collective bowling effort, led by Ben Dwarshuis’s 3/26, dismantled the Hurricanes’ chase for 141, securing a 57-run victory.
- The win propels the Sixers into the BBL 15 final against the Perth Scorchers this Sunday.
SYDNEY: A vintage Steve Smith half-century and a ruthless bowling display propelled the Sydney Sixers to a 57-run victory over the Hobart Hurricanes in the BBL Challenger on Friday, booking their place in the tournament final on Sunday against the Perth Scorchers at Perth Stadium.
Smith anchors formidable total
Sent in to bat, the Sixers’ innings was orchestrated by the in-form Steve Smith. Opening the batting, the veteran right-hander delivered a masterclass, scoring a dominant 65 from just 43 balls. His innings, laced with nine fours and a six, provided the foundation for a formidable total.
Smith’s departure in the 13th over did not halt the momentum, as Lachlan Shaw (21) and Joel Davies (27 off 14) provided explosive finishes in the death overs. Their efforts pushed the Sixers to a commanding 198/8, a score that always looked beyond reach on a competitive SCG wicket.
For the Hurricanes, Riley Meredith (3/52) was the most successful but expensive bowler, while Billy Stanlake and Rishad Hossain claimed two wickets apiece.
Bowlers seal dominant victory
Faced with a daunting target of 199, the Hurricanes’ chase never found traction. The Sixers’ bowlers, led by the fiery Ben Dwarshuis, applied immediate pressure. Dwarshuis spearheaded the attack with a brilliant spell of 3/26 from his four overs, consistently taking crucial wickets.
He received ample support from a star-studded attack: Mitchell Starc and Sean Abbott claimed two wickets each, while all-rounder Joel Davies added two scalps to his earlier batting cameo. Only Hurricanes captain Ben McDermott (40 off 26) offered spirited resistance before the innings folded for 141 in the 18th over.
For his impactful all-round performance, a quickfire 27 and two vital wickets, Joel Davies was deservedly named Player of the Match.
Final showdown set for Perth
The victory sends the Sixers into their seventh BBL final, where they will face the Perth Scorchers in what promises to be an epic championship decider. The Sixers will draw confidence from their all-round dominance, while the Scorchers prepare to defend their home turf in what is set to be a clash between the league’s most consistent powerhouses.
