Perth Scorchers stormed into Hobart and snapped the Hurricanes’ nine-match home winning streak, powered by a brutal Mitchell Marsh century and an all-round masterclass from Aaron Hardie in a 40-run BBL win at Ninja Stadium.
Australia’s T20I skipper Marsh arrived under pressure after a quiet start to the tournament, and responded with pure dominance. He smashed 102 off 58, belting 11 fours and five sixes, and shared a record 164-run third-wicket stand with Hardie, the biggest for any third wicket in BBL history. Hardie was just as devastating, finishing unbeaten on 94 off 43, as the Scorchers powered to a daunting 229 for 3.
The Hurricanes had their chances, Matthew Wade spilled two difficult chances to remove Marsh early, but once the Scorchers’ pair settled, Hobart’s bowlers were sent to the boundary at will. Riley Meredith endured a tough night, conceding 61 off four overs, while Chris Jordan and Nathan Ellis also went the distance.
Hobart needed something extraordinary in reply but regular wickets killed the chase. Nikhil Chaudhary (31 off 15) and Wade (29 off 14) swung hard to keep hope alive at the halfway stage, but the Scorchers’ attack stayed disciplined. Ashton Agar led the way with 3 for 38, while Hardie and Joel Paris chipped in with two each as the Hurricanes were restricted to 189 for 9.
The defeat brings an end to Hobart’s dominant run at home, while the Scorchers climb to third on the BBL table, right back in the title conversation. For Marsh, it was a timely return to form. For Hardie, it was yet another reminder that he is one of the most complete T20 cricketers in Australia right now.
