The Hobart Hurricanes defeated the Melbourne Renegades in a thrilling game on January 14 to continue their winning streak at home and keep their undefeated record this season. Tim David made a major contribution and produced a brilliant finish as the Hurricanes chased the target of 155 runs with four wickets remaining. The Hurricanes were in a challenging situation as they chased a small goal, with wickets dropping often and the necessary run rate gradually increasing. But when it counted most, Tim David, who is renowned for his explosive hitting and composed manner under duress, came through.
David helps Hurricane pick win
Tim David skillfully paced his innings, reaching the crease in the middle overs and scoring an undefeated 24 off just 15 balls. The game was on the line with eight runs needed from the last over. He altered the tide of the match by hitting a huge six after managing just one run from the first two balls of the over, which reduced the equation to one run needed from three deliveries. He hit the game-winning runs while remaining composed, giving the Hurricanes the win and demonstrating his superb finishing abilities.
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Jacob Bethell shines as well
Earlier in the same match, English all-rounder Jacob Bethell smashed his first half-century of the league. In the game's shortest format, a Melbourne Renegades player finally proved his value when he came alive in a crucial match for his team and hit a heroic fifty to keep them in the game.
The Renegades were in trouble early on after being asked to bat, losing three quick wickets for 23 inside the PowerPlay. Then, with strong pairings with captain Will Sutherland and Tim Sifert, Bethell guided his team away from danger. Mitch Owen hit Bethell directly with the first ball of the last over, ending his time in the middle. Bethell hit eight fours and four sixes in his 50-ball 87. In 20 overs, the Renegades scored 154/7.
Bethell made the decision to take matters into his own hands by facing the Hurricanes' bowling attack. He switched to beast mode, delivered a few devastating blows, and smashed the CSK pacer Nathan Ellis for back-to-back sixes. The first ball was a full toss, and he whacked it towards wide long-off. The bowler was shocked by the attack, and the second six was hit towards the deep mid-wicket zone. Bethell broke the shackles after hitting a boundary to reach the fifty and chose to give Ellis a couple of massive blows. However, his knock could not ensure the Renegades' win.