Hosein, Hope make useful contributions

CANBERRA, Australia:

The West Indies’ duo of Akeal Hosein and Shai Hope played crucial roles to help the Sydney Sixers and Hobart Hurricanes, respectively, record contrasting victories when the Big Bash League continued over the weekend.

Hosein, the number one ranked T20 bowler in the world, was the Sixers’ best bowler with 2-23 from his four overs, as his side registered a thrilling five-wicket win off the last ball against the Sydney Thunder.

Hosein’s efforts along with that of Ben Dwarshuis who took 2-26, limited the Thunder to 163 for five from their 20 overs.

Sherfane Rutherford scored just eight from nine balls for the Thunder.

Dwarshuis then returned to hit a six off the penultimate ball of the innings, before scampering a single off the last ball as the Sixers finished on 164-5 off their 20 overs.

Meanwhile, Hope scored 38 off 35 balls and the Hurricanes eased to a comfortable eight-wicket victory over the Perth Scorchers.

Hope shared in a 101-run partnership with opener Mitchell Owen, who cracked an unbeaten 101 from 64 balls to guide the Hurricanes to 156 for two in 19.2 overs in pursuit of the Scorchers’ 155 for six.

The pair came together after Caleb Jewel was dismissed for seven, to leave them 32 for one after four overs.

They then frustrated the Scorchers for 13 overs to turn the tide in their favour and set up an easy win.

CMC