Tue Jan 28 09:18:16 UTC 2025: ## Hobart Hurricanes Claim Maiden BBL Title in Record-Breaking Fashion
**Hobart, Australia** – Mitch Owen’s breathtaking century, the equal-fastest in Big Bash League history, propelled the Hobart Hurricanes to their first-ever BBL title with a resounding seven-wicket victory over the Sydney Thunder in Hobart. The 23-year-old smashed 11 sixes in a 39-ball blitz, scoring 108 runs and etching his name in the record books alongside Craig Simmons.
Owen’s incredible innings, which included a 16-ball fifty – a new club record and the fastest in a BBL final – completely overshadowed a strong start by the Thunder. David Warner and Jason Sangha had put on a 97-run opening partnership, establishing the highest Powerplay score (0-40) against the Hurricanes at the stadium this season. However, this was dwarfed by Hobart’s own record-breaking 0-74 Powerplay, a new BBL league record.
Despite a strong start from the Thunder, Hurricanes captain Nathan Ellis’s crucial double-wicket over turned the tide. Ellis finished with 3-23, while Riley Meredith’s 3-27 further restricted the Thunder to 182-7, a total ultimately insufficient against Owen’s onslaught.
Owen and opening partner Caleb Jewell (13 off 12) put on a 109-run partnership, falling just short of the highest opening stand in a BBL final. While Tanveer Sangha briefly halted Hobart’s momentum with two quick wickets, Matthew Wade (32* off 17) and Ben McDermott (18* off 12) guided the Hurricanes to victory with an incredible 35 balls to spare. McDermott secured the win with a ramp shot over fine leg, sparking jubilant celebrations.
“It’s an amazing feeling,” Owen said post-match, visibly overwhelmed by the home crowd’s support. Wade added, “A little bit emotional, it’s been a long ride…Credit to the coaching staff for putting Mitchy Owen up top – that hitting, I’ve never seen anything like it.” The victory leaves the Melbourne Stars as the only BBL club without a championship trophy.
First Piper 