DESPITE an outstanding knock from veteran Chris Lynn, the Adelaide Strikers could not make it past the Hobart Hurricanes, falling by seven wickets at Blundstone Arena on Monday night.

The Hurricanes entered the match on the bottom of the Big Bash League (BBL) ladder, in dire need of a win to get going after letting a number of opportunities slip in the past few weeks. In a bit of a run-fest, the home side roared home in the second innings behind their top order to chase down a solid score set by the Strikers.

Lynn finished the match with a whopping 87 runs at the crease, with the professional run-scorer showing no signs of slowing down despite making the move to Adelaide in the twilight of his career, with the Big Bash all-time leading run scorer putting on a show.

Leading the way for the Hurricanes were openers Caleb Jewell (54 runs) and Ben McDermott (53), with the pair bursting out of the gates and setting up Hobart for a big score with some pivotal batting early in the second innings.

The Strikers won the toss and skipper Peter Siddle opted to bat first, backing his side to make the most of Blundstone Arena’s short outfield and the ideal conditions at the crease. Despite having a talented batting lineup, it was Lynn that had the biggest impact for Adelaide, starting his knock in composed fashion with just 25 runs off his first 24 balls faced. However, he closed the innings out strong with 87 off his last 58 as he hunted triple-figures with his typically aggressive batting fashion.

Although he was caught in the final over, the experienced campaigner had set the tone for Adelaide and guided the visitors to a score of 6/177.

A few heads turned when Jewell was promoted to opener in favour of D’Arcy Short, who had been slightly out of form with bat in hand of late. However, the call was justified when the former came out and smashed 54 runs off just 28 balls, including eight boundaries before being bowled by Siddle.

McDermott followed suit with his fellow opener, smacking 53 runs off 33 deliveries to turn the momentum in Hobart’s favour. Although skipper Matthew Wade was dismissed cheaply at three, Short and Tim David combined for a 52-run partnership off just 32 balls to close out the match with a few overs in hand.

SCORECARD

RESULT: Hobart Hurricanes (3-178) def. Adelaide Strikers (6-177) by 7 wickets
POTM: Caleb Jewell (Hobart Hurricanes)
TOSS: Adelaide Strikers won the toss and opted to bat

KEY PLAYERS

Adelaide Strikers:
Chris Lynn (87), Matt Short (38), Colin de Grandhomme (30)
Peter Siddle (1-21)

Hobart Hurricanes:
Caleb Jewell (54), Ben McDermott (53)
Nathan Ellis (2-39)