The Hobart Hurricanes have won their maiden BBL crown in a ‘massive moment’ for Tasmanian sport, beating Sydney Thunder by 7 wickets.
Hobart’s Mitch Owen was the hero for the Hurricanes, smashing the equal-fastest century in BBL history off just 42 balls.
The game was played in front of a packed crowd of excited fans at Ninja Stadium.
“I was just doing what I’ve been trying to do the whole competition,” Owen said after the match when asked how it felt to hit 108 of 42 balls.
You better believe it, Hobart!
This is the moment the HURRICANES become BBL CHAMPIONS 🏆 #BBL14 pic.twitter.com/CgNshy0P5f
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 27, 2025
“Just get us off to a good start so we can take it easy through the middle and I was lucky enough it came off tonight.”
He thanked the fans that sold-out the stadium.
“I’m kind of lost for words. I don’t really know how to put it all together but super grateful for all the fans,” Owen said.
“You guys have been great. So loud. Really got us going out there. Thank you very much.”
Captain Nathan Ellis said the win was “pretty surreal”.
“I want to thank the boys,” he said. “I’m in awe of you guys as a team this year. The only word I can come up with is proud.”
“We played some bloody brilliant cricket this year and we deserve to be here tonight.”
“And I obviously can’t go a moment without thanking the Hobart faithful. Tasmanian crickets changed my life and I feel really honoured to be a part of your first championship down here.”
Riley Meredith described Owen’s performance as “outrageous” and said his hitting was “unbelievable”.
“[It’s] something you probably won’t see ever again really,” he said.
“I’ve been a fan of the hurricanes since BBL1 so it means just that much more … to be able to [win] in front of the home crowd, it’s unbelievable.”
