Jordan four-for, Chaudhary blitz power Hurricanes past Renegades

Hobart Hurricanes delivered a dominant all-round performance to cruise to a seven-wicket victory over Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League at GMHBA Stadium, Geelong, on Sunday night. The comprehensive win, sealed with 37 balls to spare, lifted the defending champions to the top of the ladder.

It was a strong response from the Hurricanes after their loss to the Melbourne Stars at the MCG last week, as they continued their challenging three-game road trip ahead of a Boxing Day clash with the Perth Scorchers.

Nikhil Chaudhary and Chris Jordan starred with their best BBL performances, while Ben McDermott provided the finishing touch in a clinical chase. Chaudhary smashed a brilliant 79 off just 38 balls, striking seven fours and four sixes, including a towering hit that cleared the GMHBA Stadium grandstand despite the damp conditions.

Jordan was outstanding with the ball, claiming 4 for 19 from four overs — his best figures in 56 BBL matches. McDermott remained unbeaten on 49 from 33 deliveries, hitting two fours and four sixes, and sealed the win with a six.

After being set a target of 146, Hurricanes overcame an early wobble to reach 149 for 3. Chaudhary and McDermott combined for a decisive 93-run partnership for the third wicket, completely taking the game away from the Renegades.

Earlier, Hurricanes captain Nathan Ellis won the toss and sent the Renegades in to bat. Jordan set the tone immediately, bowling the first maiden over of the BBL season and delivering nine consecutive dot balls. Josh Brown fell for an eight-ball duck to Riley Meredith, leaving the Renegades reeling at 2 for 1 after two overs.

Openers Tim Seifert and Mohammad Rizwan briefly steadied the innings with a 62-run partnership. Seifert, fresh from a century against Brisbane Heat, top-scored with 34 from 21 balls before Jordan returned to bowl him in the seventh over. Rehan Ahmed then dismissed Rizwan for 32 in the following over, and the Renegades struggled to recover, eventually finishing on 145 for 9.

Melbourne’s bowlers made an early impact in the Hurricanes’ chase, with Jason Behrendorff removing Mitch Owen off the first ball and later claiming Tim Ward for 8, thanks to an excellent running catch by captain Will Sutherland. At 38 for 2 inside four overs, Hurricanes were briefly under pressure.

However, Chaudhary responded in style, striking three consecutive boundaries soon after arriving at the crease and setting the platform for a commanding chase that underlined the Hurricanes’ title credentials.