Tim David delivered a match-winning masterclass for the Hobart Hurricanes before a hamstring injury forced him to retire hurt, as the defending champions edged the Perth Scorchers by four wickets in a gripping Boxing Day clash at Optus Stadium.
Chasing 151, the Hurricanes were rocked early at 39-for-3 after Cooper Connolly’s fiery burst of 3-23. David (42 off 28) and Nikhil Chaudhary (34 off 30) then rebuilt superbly, shifting the pressure back on Perth with smart rotation and clean striking, before disaster struck in the 15th over, when David pulled up mid-run and left the field clutching his hamstring.
With 14 needed off eight, Macalister Wright (22* off 13) and Chris Jordan (15 off 11) held their nerve. Wright, in the side for the injured Matthew Wade, clubbed Aaron Hardie for six and four off consecutive balls to seal victory with three deliveries remaining, lifting Hobart to 3-1 for the season, but leaving a cloud over David’s availability with the BBL final set for January 25.
Earlier, the Scorchers squandered a rapid start, posting 150-for-8 despite Finn Allen’s 43 off 23. Rishad Hossain (3-33) ripped through the middle order, while Riley Meredith (2-19) delivered the key breakthrough of Mitchell Marsh. Once Allen fell at 73-for-3, Perth’s momentum faded, with cameos from Nick Hobson and Laurie Evans unable to reignite the innings.
Connolly gave the Scorchers hope when he removed Mitchell Owen, Nikhil Chaudhary, and Ben McDermott to leave Hobart in strife, but dropped chances proved costly. David survived two tough moments in the deep before his injury drama, and even though he couldn’t finish the job, the Hurricanes’ depth shone when it mattered most.
