Ward’s 90 Outshines Warner’s 130 as Hurricanes Go Top

News Desk 

Islamabad: David Warner produced the highest individual score of the Big Bash League season so far, but his stunning unbeaten 130 could not prevent Sydney Thunder from slipping to another defeat as Hobart Hurricanes chased down 206 to win by six wickets at the Sydney Showground Stadium on Saturday night.

Warner’s 130* off 65 balls — laced with 11 fours and nine sixes — powered Thunder to a strong total of 205 for 4 after a shaky start. In response, Tim Ward and Mitchell Owen tore into the Thunder attack with a blistering opening stand, setting the foundation for a record chase as Hurricanes reached 207 for 4 with 13 balls to spare.

Thunder’s innings began dramatically, with Will Prestwidge striking twice in the opening two balls to remove Matthew Gilkes and Sam Konstas. Warner, however, steadied the innings alongside Nic Maddinson, and the pair added 95 runs for the fourth wicket. Maddinson, playing his first professional match since recovering from cancer, made 30 before retiring out late in the innings to allow Warner full freedom in the final overs.

Warner accelerated fiercely at the death, plundering 50 runs off the last 15 balls he faced, including a costly final over from Nathan Ellis, to lift Thunder past the 200 mark.

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Hurricanes’ reply was even more emphatic. Ward smashed 90 off 49 balls while Owen hammered 45 from just 18 deliveries, as the pair put on 108 runs in only 51 balls. Their onslaught left Thunder scrambling despite Daniel Sams’ late intervention, which included the key wicket of Ward just short of a century.

With three wickets falling in quick succession, Thunder briefly sensed an opening, but Nikhil Chaudhary calmly closed out the chase with an unbeaten 29 off 14 balls.

The victory lifted Hobart Hurricanes to the top of the BBL table, while Sydney Thunder remain rooted to the bottom despite Warner’s heroics.

Speaking after the match, Warner admitted Hurricanes’ dominance at the top of the order proved decisive. “I thought our total was very competitive, but we knew the strength and power they had up top,” he said. “When they get off to a good start and there’s no pressure, they can dictate the game.”

Warner’s century was his second in the BBL and his first since 2011, also becoming the highest individual score in Thunder’s history and moving him into equal third place for most men’s T20 hundreds.