Left Arm Around

Ben McDermott hits 95 but Adelaide Strikers chase 166 to defeat Hobart Hurricanes at the Adelaide Oval.p

After losing the toss and being put into bat, the Hurricanes soon found themselves in awful trouble, Jamie Overton and Cameron Boyce taking two wickets apiece to leave them 36-5 after 6.2 overs.

English import Sam Hain continued his barren form in the BBL after being dismissed for a second-ball duck.

Tim David simmered before departing for a 18-ball 15, however it was Jordan and McDermott who positioned them firmly back in the hunt with a stunning partnership of 76 from 38 deliveries.

Jordan was finally dismissed for 30 as the impressive Overton (3-23) returned to trap him LBW but McDermott’s knock propelled them to a competitive 165-7.

His unbeaten innings of 95 from 61 balls featured seven fours and five wonderful sixes.

Darcy Short fell for a rapid 18 early in the Strikers reply, however a blistering opening partnership with his namesake ensured the hosts were well ahead of the required run-rate from the outset.

Chris Lynn and Matt Short then continued their initial dominance with an excellent 58-run partnership; Short’s departure to Paddy Dooley leaving them 63 to get with nine overs to play.

Riley Meredith then struck as Lynn followed him to the sheds an over later- but any fears of a major collapse soon subsided.

Australia Test keeper Alex Carey stroked a well-made 36 from 26 on his return to the side.

He was removed by Jordan with six still needed, though Overton hit the winning boundary as the Strikers secured the win with four balls to spare.

Victory leaves the Strikers fifth with seven points from eight fixtures; the Hurricanes sit fifth with six points from the same number amount of games.

The two teams face off again in Thursday’s fixture at Blundstone Arena as both vie for a place in the play-offs.