New Delhi: Australia’s Big Bash League, season 13, is halfway done with its league stage games, with still all the eight teams still very much in contention of the top finish.
However, Brisbane Heat (10 points) and Sydney Sixers (8 points), are the favourites among the eight.
The first day of the year 2024 was scheduled as a doubleheader day, with Hobart Hurricanes going up against the Sydney Thunder, while Brisbane Heat and Sydney Sixers battled it out for the top spot finish on the table.
In the first match of the day, at the Bellerive Oval, Hobart, the local team Hobart Hurricanes locked horns with Sydney Thunder.
Hurricanes’ skipper Nathan Ellis won the toss and invited the Thunder to bat first.
Thunder’s batting woes were once again on display as, one after one all the batsmen were heading towards the pavilion, leaving their team in deep trouble. At one point, Thunders were reeling at 96 for 7 before skipper Chris Green (33*) played a much-needed cameo to take his team’s total to a respectable 150 for 8 in 20 overs.
“That’s a very, very good shot.”
Powerful strike from the skipper! #BBL13 pic.twitter.com/0GNFLic7Tr
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 1, 2024
Patrick Dooley, Chris Jordan and Nikhil Chaudhary all took two wickets each to break the backbone of the Thunder’s top and middle order.
First BBL wicket for Nikhil Chaudhary 🙌
You’ve got to admire the celebration too! #BBL13 pic.twitter.com/PeD4cTiKYY
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 1, 2024
In reply, Hurricanes had a great start as Mathew Wade (15) and Caleb Jewell (31) added 47 runs for the first wicket.
Beware the wounded Wade!
Top shot from the @HurricanesBBL opener. #BBL13 pic.twitter.com/HWgd7x6Ezn
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 1, 2024
Macalister Wright (34) played a sensible innings before Ben McDermott (53*) and Corey Anderson (12*), took the Hurricanes over the line with seven wickets and 11 balls to spare.
4️⃣ x 4️⃣
Ben McDermott is hitting them everywhere. #BBL13 pic.twitter.com/MuHWLZR03h
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 1, 2024
Daniel Sams, Tanveer Sangha and Nathan McAndrew all took one wicket each for the Thunders.
By the barest of margins!
Caleb Jewell has to depart after Daniel Sams’ superb effort in the outfield was ruled a clean catch! #BBL13 #GoldenMoment @BKTtires pic.twitter.com/MpmeYwxer8
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 1, 2024
The second match of the day, between Brisbane Heat and Sydney Sixers, ended up being anticlimactic as it was called off without a ball being bowled, forcing both teams to settle down with one point each.
Rain wins in Brisbane 😥 The #BBL13 action will resume tomorrow night for the Melbourne Derby at the MCG. pic.twitter.com/HEtuSUknrm
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 1, 2024
However, despite the match being called off, Heats cemented their spot at the number one position while the Sixers rose one spot up to number 2.
Check out the complete points table below:
There it is 🙌
The @HurricanesBBL get the job done on New Year’s Day! #BBL13 pic.twitter.com/zI9qp0yJX9
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 1, 2024
| S.no | Teams | M | W | L | NR | PTS | NRR |
| 1 | Brisbane Heat | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 10 | +1.94 |
| 2 | Sydney Sixers | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 8 | +0.16 |
| 3 | Perth Scorchers | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 7 | +1.70 |
| 4 | Melbourne Stars | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 6 | -1.18 |
| 5 | Hobart Hurricanes | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 4 | -0.45 |
| 6 | Adelaide Strikers | 5 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 3 | -0.27 |
| 7 | Melbourne Renegades | 6 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 3 | -0.38 |
| 8 | Sydney Thunder | 6 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 3 | -0.42 |
