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Nikhil Chaudhary Shines as Hurricanes End Sixers’ Winning Streak

Special Reporter January 1, 2025

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Nikhil Chaudhary batting aggressively during Hurricanes’ innings. — Nikhil Chaudhary in action during his impactful knock of 42 runs. Credit: getty images

The Sydney Sixers’ unbeaten run in the 2024-25 Big Bash League came to an abrupt halt on New Year’s Day as the Hobart Hurricanes delivered a commanding 50-run victory at the Bellerive Oval, Hobart. Nikhil Chaudhary’s stellar all-round performance, coupled with disciplined bowling, handed the Sixers a reality check.

Hurricanes Set a Competitive Target

Opening Stand Sets the Tone

Put in to bat first, the Hurricanes started strong with a brisk 45-run opening stand in just 4.5 overs. Mitchell Owen led the charge, smashing 33 runs off 17 balls, including three consecutive boundaries off Ben Dwarshuis. However, the Sixers struck back through Jackson Bird and Hayden Kerr, reducing the Hurricanes to 55 for 3.

Revival Through Middle-Order Brilliance

The Hurricanes’ middle order, spearheaded by Ben McDermott (34) and Nikhil Chaudhary (42), stabilized the innings with a crucial 70-run partnership. Exploiting the power surge, the duo added 33 runs in two overs, including a 21-run over off Kerr. Despite their dismissals in quick succession, the Hurricanes managed to post a competitive total of 161 for 6, thanks to Chaudhary’s aggression and Bird’s remarkable 4 for 16.

Sixers’ Collapse Under Pressure

Early Wickets Rattle Sixers

Chasing 162, the Sixers faced a disastrous start. Nikhil Chaudhary’s early breakthrough sent Joshua Philippe packing in the third over. Chris Jordan and Waqar Salamkheil joined the act, dismissing James Vince and Kurtis Patterson, leaving the Sixers reeling at 28 for 3 within five overs.

Brief Resistance and Dramatic Collapse

A glimmer of hope emerged as Moises Henriques (22) and Jordan Silk (20) stitched a 35-run partnership. However, the Hurricanes’ bowlers tightened their grip, sparking a collapse that saw the Sixers lose five wickets for just 21 runs. From 63/3, they stumbled to 84/8. The lower order managed to breach the 100-run mark before Jackson Bird’s wicket sealed the Sixers’ fate at 111 in 19.3 overs.

Jackson Bird celebrating a wicket during his four-wicket haul. — Jackson Bird celebrates his stellar bowling performance against the Hurricanes. Credit: Getty Images

Key Performances

Nikhil Chaudhary: All-round brilliance with 42 runs and a key wicket.
Ben McDermott: Anchored the middle order with 34 runs.
Jackson Bird: Outstanding bowling figures of 4 for 16.
Chris Jordan: Contributed with 3 for 22, dismantling the Sixers’ chase.

Match Highlights

Hurricanes’ all-round bowling effort ensured no Sixers batter could settle.
The power surge was pivotal, with the Hurricanes scoring 33 runs in two overs.
The Sixers’ middle and lower order crumbled under pressure, resulting in a significant defeat.

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