Matthew Wade has steered the Hobart Hurricanes to a seven-wicket win over Sydney Thunder

The Hobart Hurricanes have continued their unbeaten start to the BBL season with a last-over win that was spearheaded by a brutal knock from Test aspirant Matthew Wade.

Matthew Wade batting during the Big Bash League (BBL) match between the Hobart Hurricanes and the Sydney Thunder at Blundstone Arena in Hobart, Friday, December 28, 2018. (AAP Image/Mathew Farrell) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY, IMAGES TO BE USED FOR NEWS REPORTING PURPOSES ONLY, NO COMMERCIAL USE WHATSOEVER, NO USE IN BOOKS WITHOUT PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT FROM AAP

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The Hobart Hurricanes showed why they are the undisputed masters of chasing down big totals after they pulled off a stunning seven-wicket victory over the Sydney Thunder in a thrill-a-minute runfest at Blundstone Arena last night.

Matthew Wade was the toast of Tasmania after he blasted a career-best 85 off 49 balls to steer the undefeated Hurricanes to their third successive win in what was easily the best match of the current Big Bash season.

Matthew Wade thrashes a big six during his matchwinning knock. Picture: AAP

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The Thunder were left scratching their heads about what just happened after they looked to be in total control when Jos Buttler blasted his second successive half-century to steer the visitors to a formidable total of 6-193.

It should have been enough but the Hurricanes went toe-for-toe with the Thunder from start to finish and reached their victory target with five balls to spare after an astonishing display of power hitting that left spectators roaring and running for cover at the same time.

Jos Buttler blasted the Thunder to a competitive total — but it wasn’t enough. Picture: Getty

BEST CHASES

There’s only been three times in BBL history that teams have lost after posting more than 192 batting first but the team that’s managed to successfully complete the run-chase has been the same every time.

The Hurricanes now have the top four run-chases in the competition history and now sit perched at the top of the Big Bash standings.

Their three best run chases are all over 200 with the record being the 8-223 they made to beat the Melbourne Renegades two seasons ago.

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D’Arcy Short is run out by Jos Buttler, ending a mighty opening stand. Picture: Getty

OPENING STAND

Wade might have been the backbone of the innings but D’Arcy Short was just as pivotal in making 58 off 39 balls. The pair put on 120 for the opening wicket and might have got the job done themselves if not a run out that sent Short on his way.

The Thunder looked to have regained the upper hand when Wade and Ben McDermott (22) both departed in the 18th over but George Bailey’s unbeaten 12 guided the home side over the line.

THE BUTTLER DID IT

The English vice-captain belted a BBL best 89 off 54 balls, featuring eight boundaries and four sixes, after being dropped on 12 and punishing the Hurricanes for their sloppy fielding.

Buttler also made 63 in his last match against the Sydney Sixers and is now the leading scorer in the competition with 172 at 57.33.

The Thunder laid the foundations for their latest effort with an explosive start, belting 65 during the powerplay.

The key moment came in the sixth over when Johan Botha dropped Buttler at mid-off and he responded by hitting two fours and six off the next three deliveries.

The butterfingered Hurricanes did not do themselves any favours with their fielding with James Faulkner spilling straightforward chances of both Jason Sangha and Chris Green

ROOT’S STRUGGLES

England’s Test skipper Joe Root missed another opportunity to post a decent score after falling for 17, top edging an attempted sweep when he looked set.

After three matches, Root’s average of 14.66 is the lowest of the top seven batsmen in the Thunder lineout and he’s the only not to have hit at least one six.

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