Hobart Hurricanes ambled into the semifinals with a six-wicket dismantling of Barbados Tridents in a Oppo Champions League T20 Group B match on Sunday.
Although Tridents caused a few difficult moments for Hurricanes, the latter’s victory was never in doubt. Shoaib Malik remained composed to see his side home with 10 balls to spare.
Tridents could have made the contest tighter, though, if not for its poor fielding. Aiden Blizzard was dropped twice and Tim Paine could have been caught by wicketkeeper Jonathan Carter on seven as well. After setting a target of only 114, Tridents couldn’t afford to be generous in the field.
On a friendly track, the spinners were able to ensure that Hurricanes didn’t run away with the match but the wickets didn’t arrive frequently enough for the Caribbean side.
Malik did provide a chance when 19 were required but Ashley Nurse failed to get into a good position and the batsman was safe. Soon after, victory was confirmed for the Tasmanian side.
Earlier, considering the quality of bowlers at its disposal and the history of the PCA Stadium, there was little surprise that Hurricanes chose to bowl. Before the match, coach Damien Wright had described the Caribbean side as an aggressive team but its beginning was anything but.
Tridents could post only 31 in the first seven overs for the loss of three wickets. It was left to the previous match’s century-maker Jonathan Carter to rescue his side.
The left-hander scored 42 off 34 balls but his teammates couldn’t muster similar resolve.
Tridents’ task was made tougher by Xavier Doherty, who was in top form under favourable conditions.
The left-arm spinner’s first victim was James Franklin whose attempt to drive was killed by a delivery that went between his bat and pad. Doherty later claimed Carter too as Tridents failed to break the shackles.
Brief Scores:
Barbados Tridents 113 in 19.4 overs (Jonathan Carter 42, Xavier Doherty 4/27)
Hobart Hurricanes 117/4 in 18.2 overs (Shoaib Malik 39 no, Jonathan Wells 23 no). Hobart Hurricanes win by 6 wkts.
