Strikers pull off greatest Big Bash run chase ever following brilliant Matt Short century

01-05-2023
3 min read
Getty Images

Adelaide Strikers have produced the greatest run chase in Big Bash history, surging to a late seven-wicket victory over the Hurricanes on Thursday night.

After the likes of Ben McDermott (57) and Zak Crawley (54*) took full advantage of some ordinary bowling and a short square boundary, Hobart posted 4/229 from their 20 overs and posted the equal-third highest score in the league's history.

But not to be outdone, Adelaide overcame a slow start to pull off one of the most remarkable chases in T20 cricket, as stand-in captain Matt Short (100*) blasted a breathtaking century off just 59 balls, including eight fours and three maximums.

Short smashed two-straight boundaries to surpass the Hurricanes' score in the 20th over off the bowling of Pakistani seamer Faheem Ashraf, bringing up the ton in style as the Strikers celebrated a historic win.

MORE: Khawaja, Smith make history at SCG | Cricket world reacts to Zampa mankad

The 27-year-old was dropped on his first ball, as well as being put down again in the 20s, before going on to reach triple-figures in a stellar knock.

Chris Lynn (64) also reminded fans of his abilities during the run chase, churning out an impressive half-century that included four horns at the Adelaide Oval, before overseas import Adam Hose (38) helped the skipper with an entertaining cameo.

The win puts the strikers into the BBL|12 top four, with their next clash coming against the Renegades on Tuesday night. 

Hobart will look to bounce back and keep their finals hopes alive against the Renegades on Saturday evening.