BBL 12: Hobart Hurricanes pacer Nathan Ellis scalps hat-trick across two overs against Sydney Thunder
Sydney posted a total of 135 runs in their 20-over quota.
Hobart Hurricanes pacer and deputy of the side, Nathan Ellis, bagged a hat-trick across multiple overs against Sydney Thunder in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart. Opting to bat first, the decision seemed to have backfired, as the Thunder were sent packing for an underwhelming total of 135 runs in their 20 overs.
In the midst of the contest, Ellis picked up a brilliant hat-trick across two overs of the contest. At first, in the final ball of the fourth over, Matthew Gilkes was dismissed on LBW after the ball pitched in line and was crashing into the middle stump.
Subsequently, in the first two deliveries of the 15th over, Ellis got the wickets of Oliver Davies, who laced a drive in the air and was caught at the covers by Faheem Ashraf followed by Nathan McAndrew getting bowled as the ball crashed into the leg stump.
Interestingly, the Hurricanes bowler was unaware that he had taken three-in-three and made a rather subdued celebration after claiming the wicket of McAndrew. In his four overs, Ellis picked a four-wicket haul for 27 runs at an economy rate of 6.80.
Hobart Hurricanes lose wickets early in run chase
Despite being the favourites in the contest to chase down 136 runs, Hobart have lost three early wickets within three overs as Daniel Sams struck twice in the third over. The match proves to be a vital one for both teams as they stand in the bottom half of the table with fair chances of still making it to the elimination rounds.
Losing their top-order batters early on may have given the hosts a scare in their chase. However, skipper Matthew Wade will look to lead by example and give his side the vital runs required to win the clash. It remains to be seen if Thunder will be able to defend the low-scoring total or will Hobart chase down the total with ease courtesy of their middle-order batters.
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