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Hobart Hurricanes strengthened their BBL|15 title defence with a tense four-wicket victory over Perth Scorchers in Perth on Friday, but celebrations were tempered by a worrying hamstring injury to star finisher Tim David.
The win lifted Hobart to a 3-1 record early in the season and kept them firmly in the playoff mix, yet David’s injury threatens to become a significant subplot as the tournament progresses.
Perth Scorchers post modest total of 150/8
Batting first, the Scorchers struggled to build sustained momentum and finished on 150 for 8. Opener Finn Allen top-scored with a brisk 43, providing early impetus before wickets stalled the innings.
Hobart’s bowling effort was led by leg-spinner Rishad Hossain, who returned impressive figures of 3 for 33, breaking partnerships and preventing the hosts from accelerating at the death. Despite a competitive surface, Perth never fully capitalised, leaving the Hurricanes a chaseable target.
Hobart Hurricanes stumble early before Tim David and Nikhil Chaudhary rescue act
Hobart’s reply began shakily as they slipped to 39 for 3, handing early belief to the Scorchers. The match swung decisively, however, when Tim David joined Nikhil Chaudhary at the crease.
Batting at No.5, David unleashed his trademark power, smashing 42 off 28 balls with three fours and two sixes. Chaudhary played the ideal foil, contributing 34 off 30 as the pair added a crucial 63-run partnership that dragged the Hurricanes back into control.
Tim David forced to retire hurt
The turning point came in the 15th over, when Tim David “pinged” his right hamstring while attempting a quick single. He immediately limped and was forced to retire hurt on 42, with Hobart at 103 for 4.
The sight of David hobbling off sent a hush through the Hurricanes camp. Post-match, the finisher described the injury as feeling “a little bit of something,” adding that scans and further assessment would determine the severity. Importantly, there has been no official ruling out of the tournament at this stage.
Mac Wright and Chris Jordan close out tense chase for Hobart
Despite losing their key finisher, Hobart showed composure in the closing stages. Macalister Wright played a decisive unbeaten knock of 22 off 13 balls, while Chris Jordan chipped in with 15 off 11, steering the Hurricanes to 153 for 6 with three balls to spare.
The calm finish under pressure underlined Hobart’s depth and resilience – qualities that have defined their title defence so far.
Also READ: Sam Harper’s explosive ton powers Melbourne Stars to a dominant win over Sydney Sixers in BBL|15
David’s injury casts shadow over Hurricanes’ BBL campaign
David’s injury is viewed as a potential major blow to Hobart’s middle-order firepower. With the BBL final scheduled for January 25, the explosive all-rounder has only a short recovery window if the strain proves serious.
The concern extends beyond the Hurricanes. Australian selectors are closely monitoring the situation, with David a key finishing option ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to be played in India and Sri Lanka in February.
