Key Facts
- Both teams are tied at 9 points with Sydney Sixers at the top of BBL|14 standings.
- Ben McDermott needs 26 runs to become Hurricanes’ all-time leading run-scorer.
- Teams’ previous encounter on January 8 was abandoned due to rain.
- Hobart Hurricanes have won three of their last four BBL matches against Sydney Thunder.
- The match marks the inaugural Ponting Foundation Game.
Match Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | BBL 2024-25, Match 29 |
| Teams | Hobart Hurricanes vs Sydney Thunder |
| Venue | Ninja Stadium, Hobart |
| Date | January 10, 2025 |
| Time | 7:15 PM AEDT |
| Officials | Mike Graham-Smith, Troy Penman (On-field) |
| Broadcast | Channel Seven, Fox Cricket |
| Significance | Inaugural Ponting Foundation Game |
Squad Changes and Team Dynamics
The Hobart Hurricanes enter this crucial encounter with significant changes to their overseas contingent. The departure of Shai Hope, who averaged 20.60 in five matches, and Waqar Salamkheil, who claimed six wickets in five games, to the UAE’s ILT20 has prompted strategic adjustments. The team has opted to strengthen their local talent base, bringing back Caleb Jewell and potentially introducing Marcus Bean for his debut.
Sydney Thunder has undergone similar transformations, with Lockie Ferguson and Sherfane Rutherford departing. The team has responded by securing Muhammad Hasnain, who returns after his BBL|11 stint, and adding English all-rounder George Garton to provide both batting depth and left-arm pace variety.
Team Updates and Changes
Hobart Hurricanes have lost two overseas players to UAE’s ILT20:
- Shai Hope (averaged 20.60 in five matches)
- Waqar Salamkheil (six wickets in five games)
Replacements:
- Caleb Jewell (returns to squad)
- Marcus Bean (potential debutant)
Sydney Thunder overseas player changes:
- Departures: Lockie Ferguson, Sherfane Rutherford
- Arrivals: Muhammad Hasnain (returns from BBL|11), George Garton (new signing)
Squad Lists
Hobart Hurricanes Squad:
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Nathan Ellis (c) | Bowler |
| Marcus Bean | All-rounder |
| Nikhil Chaudhary | Batsman |
| Tim David | All-rounder |
| Paddy Dooley | Bowler |
| Peter Hatzoglou | Bowler |
| Caleb Jewell | Batsman |
| Chris Jordan | All-rounder |
| Ben McDermott | Wicket-keeper |
| Riley Meredith | Bowler |
| Mitch Owen | All-rounder |
| Billy Stanlake | Bowler |
| Matthew Wade | Wicket-keeper |
| Charlie Wakim | Batsman |
Sydney Thunder Squad:
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| David Warner (c) | Batsman |
| Wes Agar | Bowler |
| Tom Andrews | All-rounder |
| Sam Billings | Wicket-keeper |
| Dan Christian | All-rounder |
| Ollie Davies | Batsman |
| George Garton | All-rounder |
| Matt Gilkes | Wicket-keeper |
| Chris Green | All-rounder |
| Muhammad Hasnain | Bowler |
| Liam Hatcher | Bowler |
| Sam Konstas | Batsman |
| Nathan McAndrew | All-rounder |
| Hugh Weibgen | Batsman |
Current BBL Points Table
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Lost | NR | NRR | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sydney Thunder | 7 | 4 | 2 | 1 | +0.167 | 9 |
| 2 | Sydney Sixers | 7 | 4 | 2 | 1 | +0.041 | 9 |
| 3 | Hobart Hurricanes | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | -0.154 | 9 |
| 4 | Brisbane Heat | 7 | 3 | 3 | 1 | -0.518 | 7 |
| 5 | Perth Scorchers | 7 | 3 | 4 | 0 | +0.624 | 6 |
| 6 | Melbourne Renegades | 7 | 3 | 4 | 0 | +0.392 | 6 |
| 7 | Melbourne Stars | 8 | 3 | 5 | 0 | -0.356 | 6 |
| 8 | Adelaide Strikers | 7 | 2 | 5 | 0 | -0.299 | 4 |
Top Performers at Ninja Stadium (Last 2 Years)
Top Batsmen:
| Player | Team | Matches | Runs/Match | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M Owen | HUR | 3 | 57.0 | 176.28 |
| O Davies | THU | 2 | 32.5 | 118.18 |
| C Green | THU | 2 | 27.0 | 154.28 |
| M Wade | HUR | 8 | 24.8 | 129.41 |
| T David | HUR | 9 | 22.3 | 182.72 |
Top Bowlers:
| Player | Team | Matches | Wickets/Match | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P Dooley | HUR | 6 | 1.7 | 10.03 |
| N Ellis | HUR | 8 | 1.3 | 7.75 |
| R Meredith | HUR | 9 | 1.2 | 7.31 |
| T Sangha | THU | 1 | 1.0 | 5.50 |
| N McAndrew | THU | 2 | 0.5 | 8.52 |
Form and Strategic Outlook
The Hurricanes have maintained exceptional batting momentum in BBL|14, posting a strike rate of 144.8, their second-best in tournament history. Their aggressive approach is evidenced by 59% of their runs coming from boundaries. This batting prowess, combined with their strong home record, positions them favorably despite recent squad changes.
Sydney Thunder’s campaign has been marked by resilience and adaptability. Leading the table despite weather disruptions and squad changes, they’ve demonstrated remarkable consistency. Sam Billings’ impressive average of 39.3 against the Hurricanes adds significant strength to their middle order, while David Warner’s leadership has provided stability at the top.
Venue Analysis and Performance Metrics
The Ninja Stadium has proven to be a fortress for the Hurricanes, with Mitchell Owen emerging as the standout performer, averaging 57 runs per match at an impressive strike rate of 176.28. The venue’s statistics reveal a clear advantage for teams bowling first, with an 80% success rate and an average first innings score of 164.
The ground’s characteristics have particularly suited the Hurricanes’ batting lineup, with Tim David maintaining a remarkable strike rate of 182.72 across nine matches. In the bowling department, Paddy Dooley leads the wicket-taking charts with 1.7 wickets per match, though at a higher economy rate of 10.03.
Venue Statistics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average First Innings Score | 164 |
| Teams Bowling First Win % | 80% |
| Pitch Behavior | Balanced with pace advantage |
| Stadium Capacity | 19,500 |
Match Officials and Broadcast Details
The match will be officiated by Mike Graham-Smith and Troy Penman as on-field umpires, with Steve Dionysius serving as third umpire and Simon Burns as fourth umpire. David Johnston will oversee proceedings as match referee. Cricket enthusiasts can catch the action live on Channel Seven and Fox Cricket, with streaming options available on 7plus and Kayo Sports. Radio coverage will be provided by ABC Sport and SEN.
Match Significance
This fixture transcends typical league importance as it marks the inaugural Ponting Foundation Game, supporting Tasmanian families affected by childhood cancer. The competitive stakes are equally high, with both teams eyeing top position in the league standings. A victory would not only provide a crucial two-point advantage but also establish momentum heading into the final phase of the tournament.
The match represents a critical juncture in both teams’ campaigns, with the winner gaining a significant advantage in the race for playoff qualification. The Hurricanes’ home advantage and Thunder’s table-topping form set the stage for an intriguing battle between two well-matched sides.
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