Weatherald century sees Strikers to first BBL title
A blazing century from Jake Weatherald saw Adelaide Strikers win their maiden Big Bash League title with an 25-run victory over Hobart Hurricanes.
Weatherald made a spectacular 115 off just 70 balls after the Strikers elected to bat first at Adelaide Oval.
The left-handed opener helped guide Adelaide to 202-2 from their 20 overs – the highest total in a BBL final.
George Bailey (46 off 33) and D’Arcy Short (68 off 44) enabled the Hurricanes – playing in their second decider but still without a crown – to threaten, but they came up shy at 177-5 as a fine spell with the ball from Peter Siddle (3-17) saw the Strikers prevail.
WONDERFUL WEATHERALD LIFTS STRIKERS
Weatherald belted nine fours and eight sixes in his incredible innings, including combining for a 140-run partnership for the second wicket with Travis Head, who was 44 not out off 29 balls.
The Strikers capitalised on some wayward bowling from Hobart early on, setting the platform for their huge total with 90 off the first nine overs.
Weatherald eventually fell to Dan Christian (1-38), but the damage had been done.
HURRICANES LET CHANCES SLIP
With Alex Carey (18) and Weatherald opening and Head at number three, Hobart needed quick wickets.
Weatherald was dropped on 24, albeit it was a tough chance at deep mid-wicket, while the Hurricanes missed two opportunities in the 10th over.
Thomas Rogers (0-30) spilled a tough return catch chance off Head before throwing at the stumps to try to run out Weatherald, only for that to lead to more runs.
Head was then dropped by Short on 10 and Adelaide made the most of those opportunities.
SUPER SIDDLE SEES STRIKERS SEAL SUCCESS
Before Bailey departed at the hands of Siddle in the 11th over, Hobart appeared to have a chance of chasing down the mammoth total at 87-1.
However, they were slowed from that point on as Siddle in particular starred.
With Short – the player of the tournament – still at the crease the Hurricanes held out hope, but Siddle had the left-hander caught behind to end Hobart’s chances in the 17th over.