Mitch Owen scores century as Hobart Hurricanes beat Perth Scorchers in BBL clash

Mitch Owen launched a stunning power-hitting blitzkrieg to steer Hobart to a bounce back win over Perth, later revealing he had “dreamt of this” moment. WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS

A new BBL star was born after Hurricanes young gun Mitch Owen launched a stunning power-hitting blitzkrieg to steer his side to a bounce back win over Perth at Hobart on Saturday.

Traditionally a late middle order power hitter, the decision to hand Owen the opening role proved a masterstroke as he plundered the Scorchers’ all-star attack in an incredible matchwinning knock.

The imposing 23-year-old belted 101 not out off just 64 balls, including five huge sixes and nine fours, as the Hurricanes chased down the Scorcher’s 6-155 with eight wickets and four balls to spare.

Mitch Owen celebrates scoring a century for the Hurricanes. Picture: Getty Images

West Indian Shai Hope (38 off 35 balls) proved the ideal foil for Owen as they put on 101 off 76 balls for the second wicket.

Owen’s previous best BBL score was 28, but the Scorchers bowlers were unable to quell his brutality.

“It’s very nice. I dreamt of this sitting on the hill as a kid supporting the Hurricanes,” Owen told the ABC.

“It is a dream come true. I was fortunate enough to get a contract with the Canes and now to get a good crack at opening the batting, I’m thrilled to be a part of it.”

Looking to avenge a horror first outing against the Renegades on Thursday where they were dismissed for just 74, the hosts earlier put the clamps on the Scorchers after talisman Josh Inglis was run out at a vital time.

Australia’s white ball keeper (49 off 35 balls) put together a 54-run partnership with captain Ashton Turner (39 off 28).

But a running mix-up allowed paceman Riley Meredith to run out Inglis in his follow through.

Turner initially began to run from the non striker’s end, but left Inglis stranded one short of his half century.

It was a festive season gift, and Hobart made them pay. After Inglis’ departure at 4-132, the Scorchers managed just 2-23 off their final 25 deliveries.

Hurricanes skipper Nathan Ellis (1-28 off four overs) and English import Chris Jordan (0-29 off four) bowled brilliantly in the death overs to put their team in poll position on a good batting deck by restricting Perth to 6-155.

Meredith also had a day out with 3-27 after the Hurricanes won the toss and bowled.

Perth’s New Zealand international Finn Allen departed second ball for the second game this year after Hobart keeper Ben McDermott took a superb diving, one-handed catch off an inside edge off Meredith’s bowling.

Mitch Owen hits a six during his matchwinning knock for the Hurricanes. Picture: Getty Images

After Cooper Connolly belted Meredith for three straight boundaries in the third over, Hurricanes paceman Billy Stanlake took another classic running backwards to dismiss the young gun.

Another nice catch running backwards at mid on by Ellis to dismiss opener Keaton Jennings (35 off 28 balls) off wrist-spinning import Waqar Salamkheil.

It ended a 58-run partnership with Josh Inglis as the Scorchers moved to 3-78 in the tenth over.

In further good news for the Hurricanes, veteran Matthew Wade told Fox Sports pre game he expects to return soon from a calf injury picked up against the Renegades.

“I think it will be two games (missed), and hope to get it good for the 1st down here (New Year’s Day home game against Sydney Sixers),” he said.

“It’s about a two weeker and that’s right on two weeks, we’re hoping I’ll be ready for that.”

Originally published as Mitch Owen scores century as Hobart Hurricanes beat Perth Scorchers in BBL clash