Hobart Hurricanes End 14-Year Drought to Clinch Their Maiden BBL Trophy
Hobart, January 27, 2025: In a historic finale, the Hobart Hurricanes claimed their first-ever Big Bash League (BBL) title by defeating Sydney Thunder by seven wickets. The long-awaited triumph came after 14 seasons of persistent efforts, with Mitchell Owen delivering a breathtaking century that propelled the Hurricanes to glory in the 2024-25 BBL final.
The Hurricanes, led by Nathan Ellis, chased down Sydney Thunder’s challenging total of 182 in just 14.1 overs, finishing with 185/3. The star of the night was undoubtedly Mitchell Owen, whose whirlwind 108 off 42 balls left the Thunder in shambles.
A Historic Knock by Mitchell Owen
Mitchell Owen, a 23-year-old rising star and lifelong Hurricanes fan, played the innings of his life, smashing a 39-ball century that equaled the record for the fastest hundred in BBL history. Opening the innings alongside Caleb Jewell, Owen was unstoppable, hitting 6 fours and 11 towering sixes. His knock not only sealed the Hurricanes’ victory but also etched his name in the annals of BBL history.
Owen’s innings was complemented by Caleb Jewell’s 12 and a 32-run contribution from Matthew Wade, who stayed unbeaten alongside Ben McDermott (18*). McDermott fittingly hit the winning boundary, bringing the Hurricanes their maiden title.
Sydney Thunder’s Fight Falls Short
Sydney Thunder started strong, with openers Jason Sangha and David Warner laying a solid foundation. The duo put up a 97-run partnership, with Sangha scoring 67 off 42 balls and Warner contributing 47 off 35. However, the middle order faltered under pressure, with Oliver Davies (26), Sam Billings (20), and others failing to capitalize on the strong start.
The Hurricanes’ bowlers, led by Nathan Ellis and Riley Meredith, each claimed three wickets to restrict Thunder to 182/7 in their 20 overs.
Mitchell Owen: From Fan to Champion
Mitchell Owen’s story added a layer of emotional depth to the Hurricanes’ triumph. A die-hard fan of the team since childhood, Owen’s journey from cheering in the stands to becoming the hero of the final has captured the hearts of cricket fans worldwide.
A viral photo from 2015 shows a 13-year-old Owen passionately supporting the Hurricanes from the stands. Fast forward to 2025, and the same young boy is now leading his team to its first championship. Fans on social media celebrated Owen’s remarkable journey, with one user commenting, “From the stands to the pitch, Mitchell Owen’s story is the stuff of dreams. A true inspiration!”
A First Title After Years of Heartbreak
The Hobart Hurricanes had come close to glory twice before, finishing as runners-up in 2013-14 and 2017-18, but the elusive title always slipped through their fingers. This season, under the leadership of Nathan Ellis, they finally broke the jinx, delivering a near-flawless performance in the final.
Sydney Thunder, on the other hand, were aiming for their second BBL title, having last won in the 2015-16 season. Despite strong individual performances from Jason Sangha and David Warner, the Thunder once again fell short of the ultimate prize.
Player of the Final: Mitchell Owen
Mitchell Owen was rightly named Player of the Final, with his century being the defining moment of the match. Remarkably, this was Owen’s first time opening the batting for the Hurricanes, having primarily played as a lower-order hitter throughout the season.
What’s Next for the Teams?
The Hurricanes’ victory has reignited hope for teams without a BBL title, proving that perseverance pays off. For Sydney Thunder, the focus will shift to addressing middle-order inconsistencies and building on their strong performances in the group stage.
As the BBL 2024-25 season comes to a close, cricket fans will remember this final as a testament to the unpredictability and excitement of the league. The Hurricanes’ maiden victory, powered by Mitchell Owen’s stunning knock, has added another unforgettable chapter to the league’s rich history.
Hobart Hurricanes End 14-Year Drought to Clinch Their Maiden BBL Trophy
