The Hobart Hurricanes secured a vital four wicket victory against the Melbourne Renegades today, December 29, 2025, in a high stakes Big Bash League encounter. In a match defined by shifting momentums and high intensity cricket, it was the veteran presence of Matthew Wade that ultimately proved the difference. The win further solidifies the Hurricanes’ position near the top of the table while leaving the Renegades searching for answers after a string of missed opportunities.

A Rapid Start for the Renegades

The Melbourne Renegades began their innings with aggressive intent at Ninja Stadium. Openers Josh Brown and Tim Seifert set a frantic pace, taking 16 runs off the very first over of the match. Brown looked particularly dangerous, smashing 26 runs from just 13 deliveries before falling to a clever slower ball from Nathan Ellis. Seifert matched that contribution with 26 of his own from 14 balls, ensuring the visitors reached 80 runs within the first eight overs.

However, the middle order failed to capitalize on this explosive start. While players like Muhammad Rizwan and Jake Fraser McGurk reached double figures, none were able to convert their starts into a match defining score. Oliver Peake top scored for the side with a steady 29, but the Hurricanes’ bowling attack led by Nathan Ellis kept chipping away. Ellis finished with figures of 3 for 30, and the Renegades eventually posted a total of 162 for 9.

The Hurricanes Steady the Chase

With 163 runs to chase, the Hobart Hurricanes started cautiously. Tim Ward provided a solid foundation with 30 runs from 26 balls, while Beau Webster, recently released from the Australian Test squad, added a useful 27. Despite these contributions, the Renegades’ bowling attack led by star leg spinner Adam Zampa threatened to derail the chase.

Zampa was in exceptional form, claiming 3 for 25 and ripping through the Hurricanes’ middle order. At one stage, Hobart found themselves reeling at 94 for 5, with the required run rate climbing steadily. The departure of Ben McDermott and Nikhil Chaudhary in quick succession put immense pressure on the remaining batters, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.

Matthew Wade Winds Back the Clock

With the match hanging in the balance, Matthew Wade stepped onto the crease and reminded everyone why experience matters in T20 cricket. The left handed wicketkeeper batter played a sensational cameo, scoring an unbeaten 43 from just 20 deliveries. His innings was a masterclass in clean hitting, featuring four massive sixes that shifted the pressure back onto the Renegades’ bowlers.

Wade found an able partner in Rehan Ahmed, who contributed a quickfire 23 from 14 balls. Together, they neutralized the threat of the Renegades’ pace attack. Wade finished the game in style, hitting a six and a four off consecutive deliveries in the 19th over to seal the win with six balls to spare. His strike rate of 215 was the spark Hobart needed to overcome a difficult middle phase.

Nathan Ellis and the Bowling Masterclass

While Wade took the headlines for his batting, the performance of Nathan Ellis was equally crucial. Taking three wickets during the Renegades’ innings prevented the visitors from reaching a score closer to 180, which would have been much harder to chase. His ability to bowl effective slower balls and yorkers at the death ensured that the Renegades’ lower order could not accelerate.

Bangladesh leg spinner Rishad Hossain also played a pivotal role, taking 2 for 34. His wickets of Muhammad Rizwan and Jake Fraser McGurk were essential in slowing down the Renegades during their most aggressive phase. The combination of spin and disciplined pace bowling proved too much for the Melbourne side to overcome.