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BBL|15: Chris Jordan and Nikhil Chaudhary created a stir, Melbourne Renegades collapsed. Read

By Sandy Verma

Hobart Hurricanes presented a masterclass in clinical T20 cricket, Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 in the eighth match of Melbourne Renegades But achieved a spectacular victory by seven wickets. Chris Jordan’s brilliant four-wicket haul and sharp batting from Nikhil Choudhary and Ben McDermott ensured the Hurricanes achieved their target with more than six overs to spare.

Chris Jordan’s bowling weakened the Renegades

After winning the toss and electing to bowl first, the Hurricanes’ pace bowling immediately put the Renegades under pressure. Riley Meredith set the tone by dismissing Josh Brown in 8 balls in the opening over. While Tim Seifert (34) and Mohammad Rizwan (32) attempted to steady the innings with a 62-run partnership, the game changed after the arrival of the Hurricanes spinners.

The middle order collapsed under pressure, with Rishad Hussain and Rehan Ahmed taking vital wickets, including the dangerous Jake Fraser-McGurk. However, Chris Jordan demolished the lower order, emerging as the main destroyer. Jordan finished his bowling with impressive figures of 4/19. His ability to bowl yorkers and slow balls restricted the Renegades to 145-9 when they completed 20 overs. Nathan Ellis provided good support with 2/43, ensuring there were no last-minute fireworks in Melbourne’s innings.

Nikhil Chaudhary’s explosive performance changes the course of the game

The Hurricanes’ innings started with a minor setback, when Mitchell Owen was out to Jason Behrendorff on the very first ball. Despite the initial setback, the Hurricanes showed no intention of backing down. Nikhil Chaudhary Came to the crease and completely controlled the pace of the game.

Choudhary played a brilliant inning of 79 runs in just 38 balls, with a huge strike rate of 207.89. His innings included seven fours and four lofted sixes, which almost ended the contest during the powerplay and middle overs. When he was caught off the bowling of Gurinder Sandhu, the Hurricanes were already comfortably on 131-3, needing less than 20 runs to win.

Ben McDermott and Tim David ensure victory for Hobart

While Choudhary provided the fireworks, Ben McDermott played the role of a perfect anchor-turned-aggressor. McDermott remained unbeaten on 49 off 33 balls, which included four fours and two sixes. His composure ensured that the Renegades bowling attack, which included Adam Zampa and Will Sutherland, was never able to exert pressure.

The chase was ended in just 13.5 overs when Tim David combined with McDermott to put the final touches. The Hurricanes finished at 149-3, with a run rate of 10.77 – a testament to their attacking style.

The win significantly boosts the Hurricanes’ net run rate, making them a strong team at the start of the season. For the Renegades, the lack of a substantial total despite having wickets in the middle overs will be a matter of concern for captain Will Sutherland.

Also Read: Tim Seifert’s brilliant century helps Melbourne Renegades beat Brisbane Heat in BBL|15

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