Mitchell Owen equals fastest century in BBL history [Source: @Kunal_KLR/X.com]
Mitchell Owen etched his name into Big Bash League folklore, smashing a record-breaking century off just 39 balls to power the Hobart Hurricanes in their chase against Sydney Thunder in the thrilling BBL 14 finale.
Chasing 183, Mitchell Owen's brutal 108 off 42 balls made him stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Craig Simmons who scored a century off 39 balls back in 2014. Joining the elite list, Owen left the fans and rivals in awe of his ferocious hitting.
Owen Thrashes Sydney Thunder To Etch Name In History Books
Owen’s feat eclipsed Luke Wright's 44-ball century and Glenn Maxwell’s 41-ball effort, rewriting the league’s history books. His 263.41 strike rate now stands as the benchmark for sheer dominance in the tournament’s 13-year span, underscoring his ability to outpace even the most celebrated T20 stars.
Facing a Thunder attack in disarray, Owen unleashed carnage from the start, plundering 31 runs off Nathan McAndrew’s two overs and 22 off Wes Agar’s solitary spell. Despite losing partners Caleb Jewell (13 off 12) and Nikhil Chaudhary (1), he anchored the chase single-handedly, reaching his century in the 10th over. His 11 sixes, many soaring into the stands, left Thunder’s bowlers helpless as he drew the chase closer for the rest of the batters to end.
His glamorous inning, however, came to an end in the 11th over when he mistimed a ball off Tom Andrews to get dismissed with an easy catch.
Sydney Thunder's Efforts To Post Competitive Total In Vain
Earlier, Sydney Thunder posted 182/7, sparked by Jason Sangha’s 67 and David Warner’s 48, who combined for a 97-run opening stand. However, the middle order crumbled against Nathan Ellis (3-23) and Riley Meredith (3-27), with only Oliver Davies (26 off 19) offering late resistance.
The total proved grossly inadequate as Owen’s historic assault overshadowed Thunder’s efforts, cementing Hobart’s supremacy in a match destined to be remembered for Owen's unparalleled brilliance.