The much-anticipated derby clash between the Hurricanes and the NL Tigers delivered everything fans love about cricket — drama, momentum swings, but eventually a one-sided finish. In a game where the fortunes swung wildly, it was the Hurricanes who cruised to a comfortable victory.
The NL Tigers came out blazing, with their openers Ali Raza and Maanik leading the charge in spectacular fashion. Ali Raza played with intent and precision, blasting a quickfire 42 runs off just 30 balls. His aggressive strokeplay and fearless running gave the Tigers an early boost. Right alongside him, Maanik anchored the innings with a patient yet powerful 57 off 50 deliveries, rotating the strike well and punishing loose balls. Together, they carved out a formidable opening partnership that looked set to put the Hurricanes under serious pressure.
However, the Tigers’ momentum was abruptly halted by a sudden collapse in the middle order. One by one, the Tigers’ batsmen faltered under the Hurricanes’ relentless bowling attack. Arnab Barua emerged as the game-changer with the ball, wreaking havoc with his incisive spells. He picked up three crucial wickets, breaking key partnerships and swinging the match in the Hurricanes’ favor. The Hurricanes’ captain, Wahid, and Yasir Farhad also made vital contributions, each claiming a wicket and tightening the screws on the Tigers’ batting lineup.
The Tigers’ middle order meltdown left them struggling to post a truly competitive total, and their woes were compounded by a bowling performance littered with costly extras. The Tigers conceded a staggering 41 extras, including 30 wides — a statistic that would haunt any team in the T20 Summer League. These extras not only gifted the Hurricanes vital runs but also disrupted the Tigers’ rhythm, putting additional pressure on their bowlers.
Chasing the target, the Hurricanes got off to a promising start thanks to the solid opening stand between Vinaii Hingoo and Rahib. The duo batted with a mix of caution and aggression, steadily chipping away at the target and ensuring their team remained on track. Their partnership laid a solid foundation and blunted the early threat posed by the Tigers’ bowlers.
Arnab Barua, already the hero with the ball, turned his hand to the bat and played a crucial cameo, scoring a quick 25 runs off 19 balls. His contribution steadied the innings during a tense middle phase and helped keep the chase on course.
Despite the Tigers’ bowlers dismall efforts, Sadman managed to make a significant impact with the ball, claiming two wickets. The rest of the bowling unit struggled to maintain discipline and control, allowing the Hurricanes to inch closer to their target.
The match was a textbook example of how momentum can swing dramatically in cricket — one moment the Tigers looked poised to dominate, the next the Hurricanes seized control.
In the end, the Hurricanes’ ability to capitalize on the Tigers’ mistakes and their clinical execution under pressure proved decisive. This derby victory not only boosts the Hurricanes’ confidence but also cements their reputation as a resilient and battle-hardened side capable of winning tight contests.
Match Highlights:
- Ali Raza’s explosive 42 off 30 and Maanik’s steady 57 off 50 set the tone for Tigers’ innings.
- Hurricanes’ Arnab Barua starred with 3 vital wickets and a valuable 25 runs.
- Captain Wahid and Yasir Farhad each took a key wicket to break Tigers’ momentum.
- Tigers’ bowling was marred by 41 extras, including 30 wides, the worst bowling stat in the T20 Summer League.
- Hurricanes’ openers Vinaii Hingoo and Rahib laid a solid foundation in the chase.
- Sadman was the lone Tiger to make an impact with 2 wickets.