In a stunning display of talent, Mitchell Owen led the Hobart Hurricanes to their first-ever Big Bash League (BBL) title with an extraordinary performance in the final against Sydney Thunder on January 27, 2025. Owen’s record-equalling century and a strong bowling effort from his captain, Nathan Ellis, propelled the Hurricanes to a seven-wicket victory at Ninja Stadium in Hobart.
The Final Match
After winning the toss, Hobart chose to field first, which initially seemed like a questionable decision as Sydney Thunder’s openers, David Warner and Jason Sangha, put together a solid partnership. Warner scored 48 runs off 32 balls, while Sangha contributed significantly with a well-crafted 67 runs from 42 deliveries. Their efforts helped Sydney reach a total of 182 runs for the loss of seven wickets.
Nathan Ellis was the standout bowler for Hobart, taking three wickets for just 23 runs, effectively curbing Sydney’s momentum. He played a crucial role by dismissing Warner and later Sangha, ensuring that Sydney couldn’t capitalize on their strong start.
Owen’s Explosive Performance
Chasing 183 runs for victory, Mitchell Owen took center stage with an explosive batting display. He opened the innings alongside Caleb Jewell and quickly established dominance over the Thunder bowlers. Owen reached his fifty in just 16 balls—setting the record for the fastest fifty in BBL history—before going on to score a remarkable century off just 39 balls. His innings included an incredible 11 sixes and six fours, showcasing his aggressive style of play.
Owen’s century not only matched the record for the fastest in BBL history but also made him the top run-scorer of the season with a total of 452 runs across 11 matches at an impressive average of 45.20 and a strike rate of 203.60. His best score this season was 108 runs.
As Owen departed after scoring 108 off 42 balls, Hobart was well on their way to victory. Matthew Wade and Ben McDermott finished the job, guiding their team home with six overs to spare.
Celebrating the Victory
Owen’s performance earned him the ‘Player of the Match’ award, and his achievement was celebrated by an ecstatic home crowd. Reflecting on his historic knock, he expressed gratitude for the support from fans and teammates. “It’s super special… I’m so proud that we could bring this trophy to Tasmania,” he said.
This victory marks a significant milestone for Hobart Hurricanes, who had previously reached the finals in both the 2013-14 and 2017-18 seasons but fell short. With this win, they have finally claimed their place in BBL history.
Looking Ahead
Mitchell Owen’s standout performance not only secured the championship for his team but also positioned him as a rising star in Australian cricket. His remarkable skills have sparked discussions about his potential future contributions to national teams, particularly with upcoming tournaments on the horizon.
As fans celebrate this historic win for Hobart Hurricanes, all eyes will be on Owen as he continues to develop his career in cricket. The excitement surrounding his performance is sure to elevate expectations for both him and the team in future competitions.
