BBL finals, qualifier: Hobart Hurricanes v Sydney Sixers: Tim David, Mitch Owen, Moises Henriques, keys to victory

Mitch Owen, Ben McDermott and Tim David starred to lift the Hurricanes to a shot at BBL history, as they held on to beat the Sixers in the Qualifier on home soil.

History is within reach for the Hobart Hurricanes as they became the first team through to the Big Bash final.

The Hurricanes booked in a home decider, next Monday, as they chase their first competition tile after overcoming the Sydney Sixers in the qualifier at Hobart’s Ninja Stadium by 12 runs.

In an enthralling contest, the home side posted 7-173 after being sent into bat as Ben McDermott top scored with 42 but quickfire knocks from Mitch Owen and Tim David proved pivotal.

Adopted Tasmanian Jordan Silk threatened to break the Hurricanes’ hearts with a crafty half-century after the Sixers fell to 3-5 but he eventually guided the three-time BBL champions back into the contest.

“They were outstanding with the ball in hand,” former Aussie opener Aaron Finch said on Channel 7 crediting fast bowler Riley Meredith for setting the tone.

Hurricanes star Ben McDermott top scored with 42 off 31 balls. Picture: Getty Images

VALUE FOR MONEY

Signing Mitch Owen to a new three-year deal might just be the best piece of business the Hurricanes do all year heading into next season.

If the 23-year-old continues on his current trajectory, who knows what he might be worth by the end of BBL17.

The opener again gave the Hurricanes the perfect platform with 36 off 15 before holing out in the deep.

Mitch Owen has been a revelation for the Hurricanes. Picture: Getty Images

“This guy here what a revelation he has been at the top of the order,” Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting said on Channel 7.

“He’s dominating game after game.”

Tim David, 25 off 10, was the other man to provide a spark for the home side and he might be set to play his game for the Hurricanes in the final next Monday.

The T20 journeyman is unsigned and his form has been one of the key reasons for the Hurricanes’ rise this season.

CATCH OF THE SUMMER?

The Big Bash has seen several stunning catches this summer but Sydney Sixers all-rounder Jack Edwards may have laid claim to the best.

Fielding at point, Edwards leapt to his left at full extension and took a one-handed screamer to dismiss Hurricanes danger man Matthew Wade.

JACK EDWARDS!

That is an INSANE catch. #BBL14pic.twitter.com/PGSqV1B3z9

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 21, 2025

CATCH!

That's a ripper at slip from Ben McDermott 😲 #BBL14pic.twitter.com/ARWc3a0kcx

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 21, 2025

Fox Sports commentator Mark Howard declared it the “catch of the summer” in his call.

Hurricanes power hitter Ben McDermott took his own sensational grab at slip to remove Sixers captain Moises Henriques, diving across from what was more like a second slip position.

Jordan Silk did his best to steer the Sixers towards the target. Picture: Getty Images

WHAT’S NEXT

Despite going down, the Sixers remain in the hunt for a position in the final.

They’ll now face the winner of Wednesday night’s game between the Sydney Thunder and Melbourne Stars.

That clash to decide the Hurricanes’ grand final opponent is locked in for Friday night.

THIRD TIME LUCKY?

The Hurricanes have been to the BBL final twice before but on both occasions it has ended in defeat.

But Monday’s result saw them already break one duck, winning a home final for the first time in their history.

Originally published as BBL finals, qualifier: Hobart Hurricanes v Sydney Sixers: Tim David, Mitch Owen, Moises Henriques, keys to victory