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BBL: The Hobart Hurricanes put up a score of 184 in front of a Tasmanian domestic record crowd. The Brisbane Heat put up a spirited reply, but it was not enough as the Hurricanes won by 20 runs.
Up against his former Brisbane Heat teammates, allrounder Dan Christian’s inside knowledge may have helped him guide the Hobart Hurricanes to a 20-run Big bash win last night.
Christian, playing his first season for the Hurricanes, took 2-22 from four overs at Bellerive Oval.
And in the field the 32-year-old held four catches, including a lofty outfield screamer, to help break down the visitors’ chase. Set 185 for victory, Brisbane Heat faced a challenge too great as they finished with 8-164.
Christian’s effort in the field was only outshone by Sam Rainbird’s 3-37.
But it was a classy knock by Hurricanes’ skipper Tim Paine (87 not out) which earlier set up the home side’s victory after he won the toss and chose to bat first.
Paine hit six fours and four explosive sixes in an innings that included a 94-run partnership with star international recruit, Sri Lankan batsman Kumar Sangakkara (43).
Paine quickly raced to 50 from 34 balls.
George Bailey (40) took the place of Sangakkara to offer Paine support.
Paine, whose last Twenty20 appearance for Australia was in 2011, was also valuable with the gloves on Tuesday, taking two catches behind the stumps.
Jason Floros (42) top scored for the Heat.
Acknowledging the Hurricanes’ first-round 95-run loss to the Sydney Sixers at the SCG, Paine said last night was an important victory.
“We had a really poor first game so it was important our senior players stood up,†he said.
Sangakkara’s performance was a much-needed turnaround for the 134-Test specialist who on his BBL debut on Sunday was out for a golden duck at the SCG.
“It felt pretty good,†a happy Sangakkara told television of his knock as he walked off the ground.
AAP
Hobart Hurricanes skipper Tim Paine on his way to an unbeaten 87 against Brisbane at Bellerive Oval.