After holding off a late comeback by the Sydney Sixers in an exciting BBL 2025 Qualifier at Bellerive Oval on January 21, the Hobart Hurricanes advanced to the Big Bash League (BBL) 2024–25 championship final.

BBL Qualifier：Hurricanes vs Sixers Highlights

Hurricanes, vying for their first-ever BBL championship, maintained composure to defend a 173-run target. The Hurricanes advanced to the home final because of a spectacular opening spell by Riley Meredith, who rocked the Sixers’ top order.

Riley Meredith’s Fierce Bowling

152/1km/h 🔥

Riley Meredith is bowling some heat for Hobart! #BBL14 pic.twitter.com/WC3gBAxoiW

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

The Hurricanes’ dominant performance was set in motion by Riley Meredith’s outstanding play in the first half of the second innings. Meredith was nearly unplayable, taking crucial wickets and keeping the Sixers on the defensive with deliveries that were well over 150 km/h. Known for being one of Australia’s fastest bowlers, Meredith made an early impression by bowling a fierce opening stint that left the Sixers reeling. The Sixers’ batting lineup was destroyed by Meredith’s quick pace at one point, leaving them stranded at 5 for 3. Riley Meredith returned to his peak after a break from the final regular-season game against the Melbourne Stars, and his speed and precision rattled the Sixers’ top order. He hit a short ball at 150 km/h, which Josh Philippe dragged straight up for an easy catch.

Ben McDermott’s Key Catch

CATCH!

That’s a ripper at slip from Ben McDermott 😲 #BBL14 pic.twitter.com/ARWc3a0kcx

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

Ben McDermott made a spectacular catch as Sixers captain Moises Henriques edged to first slip in the third over after Meredith’s scorching 152 km/h bouncer. Despite the Sixers’ impending collapse, Kurtis Patterson spearheaded the comeback by scoring 75 runs with Jordan Silk. Before his dismissal in the 12th over, Patterson scored 48 runs.

Sixers’ Hope Broken

50 for Jordan Silk!

That’s his eighth in the BBL. #BBL14 pic.twitter.com/3gCs3BnbMR

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

Silk and young Lachlan Shaw rekindled the Sixers’ hopes with a partnership of 50 runs. They had to score 31 runs off of just 9 balls, though, despite their best efforts. Chris Jordan bowled with accuracy, making sure the Sixers were far from their target despite Shaw and Ben Dwarshuis’ heroic efforts to guide the chase. The Sixers eventually halted their chase at 161-5 when both the batters could not get going and lost the BBL 2025 Qualifier. Here are the Hurricanes vs Sixers highlights as it happened.

Cameron Gannon’s Assistance

Express pace in the Big Bash 🔥

Riley Meredith was bowling seriously quick last night! Here’s the best of his spell where he got to 152.1km/h. #BBL14 pic.twitter.com/PxHkvOOtgr

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

Cameron Gannon’s controlled aggression, playing in his second-ever BBL game as Billy Stanlake’s injury replacement, matched his raw pace. Gannon created pressure at both ends and gave Meredith crucial help by taking two wickets for just ten runs in three overs, which is one of the best moments in the Hurricanes vs Sixers highlights.

Chris Jordan’s Death Bowling

Great take, Chris Jordan!

Jordan Silk departs for a fighting 57 and Hobart are almost there. #BBL14 pic.twitter.com/Y3UacNf8kl

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

The Sixers’ batting lineup struggled to move the scoreboard after losing the services of the seasoned Steven Smith. Meredith’s dismissal of Moises Henriques with the season’s quickest delivery—152 km/h—was a particularly overpowering moment. The Hurricanes’ precise bowling and vicious pace put the Sixers in disarray and in need of a powerful comeback.

Just another sensational Jordan Silk save 👌#BBL14 pic.twitter.com/Hjo9qImOO5

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

Patterson and Silk maintained their calm in the face of turmoil as they attempted to keep up the chase despite the top-order collapse. Shaw’s 33-run effort, while brief, provided the Sixers a brief opportunity to chase down the target, and Silk’s 57 runs were vital. But in the end, Chris Jordan’s accurate death bowling put an end to their efforts, as he executed the game perfectly in the last over.

Related Match：BBL 2024/25 BBL Qualifier Hobart Hurricanes vs Sydney Sixers 01/21 PM 05:30 Local

Hurricanes’ Strong Start

The Hurricanes’ openers performed brilliantly in the BBL 2025 Qualifier. In particular, Mitchell Owen displayed his power-hitting ability, which has been a defining feature of his BBL career. Owen began the match with explosive intensity and confidence, continuing his impressive season. Owen had trouble finding time at first, but in a blazing powerplay, he hammered 36 runs off 15 balls, including three sixes, marking one of the best shots in Hurricanes vs Sixers highlights.

Smooth Innings

“Look out if you’re in the crowd tonight!”

Mitch Owen is ON. #BBL14 pic.twitter.com/iye5SfHd8V

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

Together with Caleb Jewell, they quickly dominated the powerplay. The Hurricanes were 43-0 after only three overs when Owen was dismissed following the powerplay, a solid start that set the stage for the remainder of their innings.

Jack Edwards’ Miracle Catch

JACK EDWARDS!

That is an INSANE catch. #BBL14 pic.twitter.com/PGSqV1B3z9

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

But the Hurricanes’ middle order had to rebuild after Owen left the pitch. Despite being elevated to No. 3 in this game, Matthew Wade, who had been dropped earlier in the season, was unable to leave a lasting impression. Jack Edwards’ outstanding fielding effort, which included a remarkable catch at backward point to remove Wade off a hard shot, ended his innings.

Tim David and McDermott’s Late Charge

Tim David departs!

Lachlan Shaw with another impressive catch in #BBL14. pic.twitter.com/cu28RibCsQ

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

Jewell scored 40 runs before being removed by Dwarshuis, demonstrating his ability to keep the innings together. The Hurricanes gained the much-needed momentum to finish well thanks to Tim David and Ben McDermott’s late charge. McDermott added a rapid-fire 42 runs, while David, who is renowned for his destructive batting, delivered 25 runs off only 10 balls, including a huge six. By the end of their 20 overs, the Hurricanes had reached 173-7 thanks to this late attack, giving their bowlers a comfortable total.

Sixers’ Late Surge

Hayden Kerr successfully mixed his lengths after getting punished in the powerplay of the BBL 2025 Qualifier, giving up just four runs in his fourth over. Yorkshire leg spinner Jafer Chohan came into the attack and got rid of McDermott, taking a vital wicket. Still, the Hurricanes’ late surge was too strong for the Sixers’ bowlers to control, and a careless display in the latter part of the innings gave the Hurricanes a dominant score.

“Yes, no!” 🫣

This could have been very bad for the Sixers… #BBL14 pic.twitter.com/vJL5vXiYuu

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

The Sixers were able to establish a strong partnership between Patterson and Silk despite their early difficulties, and Shaw’s late effort helped them get closer to the target, but it wasn’t meant to be.

What to Expect Ahead？

The Hurricanes, who are vying for their first-ever BBL championship, will now enjoy some much-needed rest before playing as the home team in the grand final on January 27. On Friday, the Sixers will host the Challenger game, where they will take on the Sydney Thunder. The Sixers have hope as they get ready for one last chance at the championship because of their determination in the chase, even though they lost the BBL 2025 Qualifier. There is a high chance we will have a BBL 2025 Qualifier rematch in the finals.