Chris Jordan’s career-best spell and a blistering knock from Nikhil Chaudhary propelled Hobart Hurricanes to a seven-wicket victory over Melbourne Renegades in Geelong, lifting the defending champions to the top of the BBL ladder. Hurricanes wrapped up the chase with 37 balls to spare, delivering a statement performance after last week’s loss to Melbourne Stars.
Jordan set the tone early with a maiden opening over, the first of the season, and finished with outstanding figures of 4 for 19. Renegades never fully recovered from early blows, slipping to 2 for 1 inside two overs before Tim Seifert (34) and Mohammad Rizwan (32) briefly steadied the innings with a 62-run stand. Jordan’s return broke that resistance, and Rehan Ahmed’s dismissal of Rizwan ensured Renegades were restricted to 145 for 9.
Hurricanes’ reply stuttered initially as Jason Behrendorff removed both openers inside four overs to leave them 38 for 2. But Chaudhary seized control immediately, unfurling a fearless counterattack that transformed the chase. His 79 off 38 balls, featuring seven fours and four sixes, including a towering hit over the grandstand, sucked the life out of the contest.
Ben McDermott provided the finishing touches with a composed 49* off 33, smashing the winning runs with a six. The pair added 93 for the third wicket, cruising Hurricanes to 149 for 3 and sealing a dominant win.
With momentum restored, Hurricanes head into their Boxing Day clash against Perth Scorchers brimming with confidence, while Renegades are left searching for answers after a sobering defeat.
