Warner’s EPIC Century in Vain as Hobart Hurricanes’ Young Gun Tim Ward Steals the Show with Blistering 90-Run Knock
- David Warner’s record-breaking 130 not out off 65 balls wasn’t enough to secure a win for the Sydney Thunder as the Hobart Hurricanes chased down 206 with ease.
- Tim Ward’s incredible 90 off 49 balls, including 13 boundaries, led the Hurricanes to a crushing victory, despite Warner’s heroic effort.
- Nic Maddinson made a stunning return to the Big Bash after a 739-day wait, but his selfless retirement on 30 allowed Daniel Sams to try and close out the Thunder’s innings.
The Sydney Thunder’s BBL|15 finals hopes are all but over after a thrilling match against the Hobart Hurricanes, despite captain David Warner’s record-breaking century. Warner’s 130 not out off 65 balls was the highest score in the Thunder’s history and the equal-fifth biggest score in the Big Bash’s 15-year existence.
However, the Thunder’s target of 206 wasn’t enough to stop the Hurricanes, thanks to a blistering opening partnership between Tim Ward and Mitch Owen. The duo put on 108 for the first wicket, with Ward’s 90 off 49 balls being the standout performance. His maiden Big Bash half-century included 13 boundaries, three of which were sixes.
Ward’s innings was described as “special” by former England captain Michael Vaughan, who praised the left-hander’s finesse, running between the wickets, and power down the ground. Australian great Mark Waugh added that Ward’s hitting was “all over the ground” and that he had “used his touch, got under the ball, and hit it aerial when he needed to.”
Warner’s century didn’t come without its challenges, as he struggled early on and was dropped on 26. However, he found his rhythm and went on to score a masterclass century, which included a “six-seven” celebration that left the younger audience in stitches. The celebration was dedicated to his daughters in the crowd.
Nic Maddinson made a remarkable return to the Big Bash after a 739-day wait, following a broken thumb and a bout of testicular cancer. The 34-year-old was parachuted into the Thunder’s playing XI and scored 30 before selflessly retiring out to allow Daniel Sams to try and close out the innings.
Despite Warner’s incredible effort, the Thunder slipped to their fifth loss of the season in six games, all but ending their BBL|15 finals hopes. The Hurricanes, on the other hand, continue to impress, with Tim Ward’s performance sure to attract the attention of international T20 franchises.