Wade guides Hurricanes to another win over Renegades

Matthew Wade’s calm finishing touch steered the Hobart Hurricanes to a four-wicket victory over the Melbourne Renegades in Hobart, as the hosts successfully chased down a target of 163 with one over to spare.

On a night dominated by wasted starts, Wade stood out with an unbeaten 43 off just 20 balls, sealing the win with a six and a four off consecutive deliveries. While no other Hurricanes batter crossed 30, Wade’s composure proved decisive as Hobart reached 163 for 6.

The Renegades had earlier been kept in check by a disciplined Hurricanes bowling effort. Nathan Ellis (3-30) and Bangladesh legspinner Rishad Hossain (2-34) played key roles in restricting the visitors to 162 for 9, despite a rapid start. Josh Brown (26 off 13) and Tim Seifert (26 off 14) exploded early, taking 16 runs from the opening over and setting the tone for what briefly looked like a big total.

However, Ellis’ clever slower ball accounted for Brown, and the Hurricanes continued to apply pressure. Mohammad Rizwan (16 off 12), Jake Fraser-McGurk (14 off 8) and Oliver Peake (29 off 22) all showed promise but failed to convert their starts, preventing the Renegades from launching fully at the death.

In reply, Hobart were rocked in the middle overs as Adam Zampa (3-25) struck twice in the ninth over to dismiss Tim Ward and Ben McDermott, reducing the Hurricanes to 59 for 3. A crucial 38-run partnership between Wade and Rehan Ahmed (23) revived the chase before Wade took control late, smashing three sixes and a four in the final eight balls he faced.

The win, Hobart’s second over the Renegades in eight days, lifted the Hurricanes to a strong 4-1 record for the season. The Renegades, meanwhile, slipped to 1-2 and remain at the bottom of the Big Bash League ladder.