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📻 IMPORTANT AUCKLAND UPDATE 📻
Stellar Warner innings isn't enough as Hurricanes rise to top of the Big Bash
Zac Sharpe • January 4th, 2026 11:41 am
Despite a classic David Warner innings, the Hobart Hurricanes have leap frogged the Melbourne Stars to go top of the BBL ladder after defeating the Sydney Thunder by six wickets overnight.
Warner, who has struggled early on in this early patch of the season, witnessed his side get off to the worst possible start in the first innings.
Will Prestwidge, who was making his Hurricanes debut, dismissed Matthew Gilkes and Sam Konstas with back-to-back beauty's too ensure the Thunder were 2-0 off the first two balls of the innings – putting them on to the back foot from the get-go.
Thanks to a strong 66 run partnership between Sam Billings (20) and Warner, the Thunder were able to gain back control of their own innings.
And after Billings’ dismissal took place, Warner knew it was mainly on his shoulders to get the job done as he surged to 130 not out to have the Thunder at 4/205 at the end of their 20 overs.
With the start they had, the Thunder would’ve been confident and optimistic and that their score would be enough to hold off the reigning champions.
However, Tim Ward (90) and Mitchell Owen (45) had other ideas, as their 108 run partnership in the first eight overs helped steer the Hurricanes to an impressive six wicket win and ultimately send them to top of the ladder after seven games played.
Next up for the Thunder, they’ll be looking to rise from the bottom of the table as they take on the Strikers away from home on Tuesday.
As for the Hurricanes, they’ll be looking to make it two wins in a row when they host the Strikers on Friday.
