Owen's record-equalling 39-ball hundred seals Hurricanes' maiden BBL title
The home side raced to what appeared a tough target inside 15 overs amid heady scenes in Hobart
The home side raced to what appeared a tough target inside 15 overs amid heady scenes in Hobart
Commentator: Alex Malcolm and Ekanth
Last year's final was a party for the away side but this one saw Hobart Hurricanes bring it home... for the first time no less. On behalf of the Cricinfo team, scoring and comms especially, thanks so much for joining in. Players are interacting, taking pictures and smiling about with fans and families alike. What better pictures to sign off on. I'm Ekanth, Alex Malcolm was in and called the Mitch Owen-led carnage. M Venkat Raghav has been our scorer. Till next time, take care!
Nathan Ellis is up on the podium.... He is handed the trophy and the team-mates dance their way in and take their positions, Confetti, fireworks, song and jives. All going on. The trophy is given the Lion King-style lifts with rising cheers. The party will be long and lively. The fans are still out there in healthy numbers as the team cheer on from behind the banner that says "BBL 14 CHAMPIONS."
Nathan Ellis, Hobart Hurricanes captain: Pretty surreal at the moment. Congrats to the Thunder, you've scrapped all the way and should be proud of yourselves (applause). Thanks to the sponsors and the boys. I'm in awe of all you guys. Very proud. We played bloody brilliant cricket and deserve the win. Can't go without thanking the Hobart faithful. This one's for all cricket fans in Tasmania. It's changed my life. It's for all the players, past and present. We have a really amazing staff and lot of experience. Everyone's stood up at some point, lucky to have this group.
Medals being handed out now. Owen is the first person to get it He, like the others, puts a cap on the volunteer giving him the medal. Big cheer for Matt Wade, who came in midway, and Nathan Ellis, who came in at the end.
David Warner, Sydney Thunder captain: Congrats to Hobart, Ellis, and Owens. Phenomenal hitting, well done to you, buddy. Thanks to our sponsors, players. You boys have been outstanding. Asked for one big push this season and we wanted to show good attitude and got that. Thanks to crowd who've come in serious numbers and brought in a lot of enthusiasm through the comp. As a player who's played for Australia for a while, I wanted to share my energy back here. Hopefully, all the youngsters standing here today will get a medal someday. I had a lot of fun, just being among the guys made it worthwhile. Group has made me feel welcome.
Mitchell Owen, POTM: Amazing feeling, kinda lost for words. Super grateful for the fans, you've been great, so loud; really got us going out there (big applause). First three or fours feels like a long time ago tbh but I tried to do what I did all season - get us off to a good start and take it easy up through the middle and it worked out.. He wears his medal and walks back with a big smile.
Stats highlights: Hobart Hurricanes is the 3rd team to win the BBL title, without losing any home game. Hobart Hurricanes in 2024/25. Perth Scorchers in 2013/14 and Sydney Sixers in 2011/12 are the other two
Most matches at a home ground with 100% win record in a men's T20 tournament: Hobart Hurricanes have seven on the trot - the joint-second most. CSK, RR, and MI with eight are on top
Presentation coming. Big surprise with the POTM.
10:18pm: The shouts of MITCHELL OWEN are on and will keep going long into the night. Fifty off 16 balls, hundred off 39. It's all-or-nothing turned into all-not-nothing. The clarity, connections and shape-holding were unbelievable. He hit most of his sixes through midwicket but got boundaries through cover and third too. Thunder, as Warner alluded to while mic'd up, were blown away. Can't do anything when someone goes off like that. The crowd were in for the feast and their appetite grew with the march towards victory. To all those lucky people at the Ninja stadium, jealous of you but also hope you have an awesome time.
Rio: "They chased up 185 in just 14.1 overs so not sure what would have been a par score. Didn't even need Tim David for this. Owens deserves to be straight into the T20I team for mine."
Riley Meredith: It's pure emotion. Feels like it's been a long time coming. Special to do it in front of the home crowd. Owen show was outrageous, something you won't see again ever really. Special knock from a special player. Everyone's really tight-knit, family oriented, being close mates means a lot. Few beverages coming up, probably hang around for a while, and enjoy it. I've been a fan of the Canes since BBL 1.
Ben McDermott: I thought Mitch was gonna clear it. What a tournament he's had. He's the reason why we've done it tonight. Through the tournament he's been exceptional. It's been a long time. This year's had a different feel about it. Leadership team were clear on how we wanted to play. Easily the best crowd I've seen here. That Mitchy Owen chant was unreal.
Wade: Been a long ride. We haven't performed the way we wanted the last year. But we committed to a style this year. Having Mitch Owen helps. We got rolled for 75 first game but we backed Tim David, putting Owen up top was huge. Never seen anything like it. Crowd is amazing. Few people questioned us, but to see family and friends... I'll have a few good days.
Matthew: "One guess who the POTM will be, I suppose! " Yeah, won't be a microwave
Tim : "This now leaves the Stars as the only franchise to not win a BBL title. "
Shriram: "Minor nit-picking, but Canes should have taken the Power Surge right after drinks at 10. Owen could have finished it off before the 12th over and gotten himself a 150. "
James Hopes and Co are giving thumbs up to the crowd, who are partying behind the dugout
Shreyas HM: "1st WBBL title for Renegades and now 1st BBL title for Hurricanes. Great entertainment!"
All the records from the BBL final where Hurricanes were crowned champions for the first time
"To captain him and win a title with him, is something that I'll never forget," Ellis said on Owen
The home side raced to what appeared a tough target inside 15 overs amid heady scenes in Hobart
Power in the batting and versatility in the bowling has been the cornerstone for Hurricanes' impressive run to the decider
The hosts are one of just two clubs never to have won the BBL, but have been the best side this season