Hobart Hurricanes Break Their BBL Title Drought at Last
The Big Bash League always brings drama, but this year’s final at Bellerive Oval in Hobart felt like a script ripped straight from a sports movie. The Hobart Hurricanes, for so long the nearly-men of the tournament, finally broke their curse and lifted their first BBL trophy, overcoming the Sydney Thunder by seven wickets in front of a roaring home crowd. Fourteen years of waiting came to an end in a game that will stick in Tasmanian memory for decades.
Heading into the final, there was an air of nervous energy—and plenty of history weighing down. The Hurricanes had been to the big stage before, only to fall short, and until now, shared the unwanted title of BBL’s perennial bridesmaids with the Melbourne Stars. But this season was different from the get-go. Finishing top of the table in the regular season and carrying momentum into the playoffs, optimism had bubbled around Hobart all summer. Facing a Sydney Thunder side known for explosive starts, the Hurricanes needed their own spark.
Mitchell Owen’s Explosive Century Steals the Show
If you were at Bellerive Oval or just tuning in, eyes widened and jaws dropped as 23-year-old right-hander Mitchell Owen walked out and hammered a truly unforgettable knock. Think about this: 108 runs off only 42 balls, with 11 of those sailing over the boundary. He didn’t just break records—he sent statisticians into a frenzy. Owen reached his hundred in only 39 balls, matching the BBL’s fastest century record, originally set by Craig Simmons over a decade ago. His onslaught started with a 109-run stand alongside opener Caleb Jewell, shredding the Thunder’s attack and setting the tone for the chase.
The target was not small—Sydney Thunder had posted 183, a serious total for any final. But Owen and Jewell made it look like a run-a-ball chase, taking apart the bowling with a mix of brute force and nerveless calm. By the time the first wicket fell, the Hurricanes were cruising, and Owen was genuinely toying with the bowling around the ground. The moment he reached his century, the crowd exploded. Even a few Thunder players joined the applause—it was one of those innings that demands respect from everyone, no matter which badge you wear.
The Hurricanes ended the match with 35 balls to spare—an emphatic win if there ever was one. For Owen, the post-match interviews felt surreal. He admitted, “It’s an amazing feeling. I’m kind of lost for words.” With a performance like that under pressure, he’s suddenly caught the eyes of not just Australian national selectors, but IPL scouts looking for the next big hitter on the global stage.
For fans in Hobart, this moment was about more than a BBL title. It marked years of ups and downs, heartbreaking losses, and a deep belief in the local squad’s growth. Cricket Tasmania’s management called it a testament to resilience, careful talent development, and never giving up. With a Global Super League campaign around the corner, the Hurricanes now carry real confidence—and a champion’s swagger—into the next season. For the supporters, the purple army can finally say they’re BBL champions, and it feels very, very sweet.