Hobart Hurricanes to face Sydney Thunder in BBL 14 final [Source: @ThunderBBL/X.com]
For the final of the Big Bash League season 14, Hobart Hurricanes will be up against Sydney Thunder. The finale will be played on January 27 at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart starting from 1.45 PM IST.
Hobart Hurricanes
The Hobart Hurricanes have had a phenomenal campaign in BBL 14, emerging as the most consistent side of the tournament. They finished at the top of the table, showcasing dominance throughout the group stages.
Being defeated only once in their last nine matches and that too on the final day of the league phase against the Melbourne Stars, they have been showing their strength right from the beginning. In the playoff, they dominated the Sydney Sixers by winning by 12 runs and moving into the final.
Sydney Thunder
On the other hand, the Sydney Thunder had a rollercoaster campaign. They began well but crumbled in the second half of the season and won only one game in their last few games. However, they found their rhythm in the playoffs, dominating both the Melbourne Stars and the Sydney Sixers to earn their spot in the final.
Players like David Warner and Sam Billings will be key to their chances. Their overall squad composition is good. However, to withstand the pressure of the finals won’t be an easy task for Thunder.
Bellerive Oval: Pitch Report for Final of BBL 14
The weather over Hobart is expected to remain pleasant, with some clouds expected during the game. The pitch at Bellerive Oval is also batter-friendly, with consistent bounce and pace, which will make stroke play easier. Bowlers will have to be very accurate as small mistakes can be punished. A score of 180 or more will be competitive.
In recent games at this venue, the chasing team has had the upper hand, winning four of the last six encounters. Both teams might be inclined to bowl first upon winning the toss however, the pressure of the final is a factor captains cannot undermine.
Top 3 Captain and Vice-Captain Picks For HUR vs THU
3. Mitchell Owen
The backbone of Hobart Hurricanes' batting lineup, Mitchell Owen, has been in sensational form throughout the season. With an average of 38.22 and a strike rate of 191.11, he is not only the team's leading scorer but also the third-highest run-scorer in the league. His explosive starts have consistently put the Hurricanes in commanding positions, making him a pivotal player in the final.
2. David Warner
The resurgence of David Warner has been one of the highlights of this BBL season. With international cricket retirement, Warner has actually worked on mastering the T20 format and has delivered some phenomenal results. As the leading run-scorer of the season, Warner boasts a stellar average of 44.62 and a strike rate of 140.55. His experience and aggressive style make him the Thunder's biggest weapon in the final.
1. Riley Meredith
In a final where both teams have relatively weaker bowling units, Riley Meredith is the player for the Hurricanes who can shine out. He has been the leading wicket-taker with 13 wickets for them, making breakthroughs crucial to the team's season. If the Hurricanes are to win convincingly, Meredith will need to be at his best on a pitch that is offering pace and bounce.