In the eighth match of the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) 2022-23, Hobart Hurricanes defeated Perth Scorchers by eight runs in their home ground at the Launceston’s Aurora Stadium on Monday. The contest went down to the wire, where Hurricanes held their nerves while defending 172/8 and registered their first victory in the tournament.
Rookie spinner Paddy Dooley was the star of the night as he spun around Scorchers with his magical bowling, inspiring Hurricanes to an against-the-odds win. Dooley, playing his third BBL game, ended up picking a four-wicket haul for just 16 runs in 4 overs.
Apart from Dooley’s unique action, which was inspired by Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, there was another moment that captured maximum eyeballs. Shadab Khan, the Pakistan all-rounder, took an absolute blinder off his own bowling to get rid of Aaron Hardie.
It all happened during the penultimate over of Scorchers’ chase when Shadab bowled a slower delivery, drawing the batter forward as he pushed at it with a closed bat face. Hardie got a leading edge, and it appeared to go wide of Shadab. But the Pakistani star, who is known for his incredible fielding skills, dived across and plucked a sensational return catch.
Here is the video:
SHADAB KHAN!
That is fully horizontal. Scorchers need 14 from the final over #BBL12 pic.twitter.com/lCd2Av824h
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 19, 2022
After batting first, the Hurricanes scored 172/8 in their alloted 20 overs, thanks to a brilliant half-century from captain Matthew Wade and a late flourish from Tim David. While Wade smashed 51 off 29 balls, including five fours and two sixes, David played a cameo of 28-ball 46-run with the help of five boundaries.
In reply, the Scorchers could only manage to reach 164/8, losing the contest by 8 runs. Josh Inglis (62 off 37) was their top run-getter.
“Fantastic atmosphere here, it’s our second home, the boys put up an absolute show. It was an awesome effort from all the boys. I’ll try to give my best (in the upcoming games). I have always held the ball the way I do. It works for my rhythm, hence I keep going. I was trying to get into the contest and switch on. It’s a fantastic feeling,” said Dooley after the match.
