Mitchell Marsh’s blistering ton and Aaron Hardie’s all-round brilliance power Perth Scorchers to a dominant BBL win in Hobart

Mitchell Marsh produced a captain’s knock, smashing a magnificent century, while Aaron Hardie starred with both bat and ball as Perth Scorchers snapped Hobart Hurricanes’ nine-match winning streak at home in the Big Bash League (BBL).

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Marsh, Australia’s T20I captain, rediscovered top form with a commanding 102 off 58 balls, marking the second BBL century of his career. His innings, which included 11 fours and five sixes, came just hours after Australia’s T20 World Cup squad was finalised, making it a timely statement of intent.

After being sent in, Marsh set the tone immediately by dispatching the first ball of the innings over the hill. He rode his luck early, surviving a dropped chance by Matthew Wade on 18 and another missed opportunity off Rehan Ahmed’s spin when on 36. Those reprieves proved costly for the Hurricanes, as Marsh went on to dominate the attack.

Marsh was ably supported by Aaron Hardie, with the pair putting on a record 164-run third-wicket partnership, the highest of its kind in BBL history. Hardie was ruthless in the latter half of the innings, finishing unbeaten on a sensational 94 off 43 balls, including five sixes.

The Hurricanes’ bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught. Hardie took particular liking to Chris Jordan, plundering 26 runs in the 12th over with four boundaries and a six. Riley Meredith endured a tough outing, conceding 61 runs in four overs, while Jordan and Nathan Ellis also went for plenty.

Chasing a daunting target, Hobart Hurricanes lost wickets at regular intervals. Nikhil Chaudhary (31 off 15) and Matthew Wade (29 off 14) briefly revived hopes with an aggressive counterattack around the halfway mark. However, both fell in quick succession to spin, with Chaudhary holing out off Cooper Connolly and Wade dismissed shortly after surviving a no-ball reprieve.

For the Scorchers, Ashton Agar led the bowling effort with 3 for 38, while Hardie and Joel Paris chipped in with two wickets apiece to seal a comprehensive victory.

The win not only ended Hurricanes’ dominant home run but also lifted Perth Scorchers to third place on the BBL points table midway through the season, strengthening their push towards the finals.