Young Australian opening batter Mitchell Owen unleashed his beast mode in the Big Bash League 2024/25 final to power Hobart Hurricanes to their maiden trophy with a win over Sydney Thunder on Monday, January 27.
After falling short on the final hurdle twice before, Hurricanes managed to cross the line in their third final as they gunned down a 183-run target with ease against the David Warner-led Thunder line-up at Bellerive Oval, Hobart. Warner's first stint as captain after his leadership ban was lifted fell one step short of the glory.
Owen was unstoppable in the final as he made 108 from just 42 balls in a knock that featured 11 sixes and six fours. He got to his hundred in 39 balls as he hit the joint-fastest century in the history of BBL, equalling Craig Simmons' 11-year-old record.
The 23-year-old Aussie star enjoyed an incredible season with the bat throughout, amassing 452 runs in 11 matches with David Warner being second at 405 runs. He had slammed another ton earlier in the tournament. His overall strike rate in BBL 14 read a whopping 203.60.
Owen looked to attack from the very first over in the run-chase. Nathan McAndrew erred in his lines and paid the price as the opening over went for 23. Owen kept going on in the same fashion and dispatched the other bowlers too. In the first four overs, the Hurricanes were up and running at 74/0.
During the powerplay, Owen also brought up the fastest fifty in a BBL final off just 16 balls. His carnage seemed unstoppable despite his partners not firing in the same vain as he was doing. The other opener Caleb Jewell made 13 from 12 balls, while Nikhil Chaudhary was dismissed on one. Owen departed on 108 when he was caught at deep mid-wicket off Tom Andrews. But with the Hurricanes on 139/3, the game was done and dusted. Matthew Wade (32 off 17 balls) and Ben McDermott (18 off 12 balls) took the team home without any further hiccups to end Thunder's campaign and become the BBL champions for the first time.