The Hobart Hurricanes have claimed a 16-run victory over defending champions Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League season opener.
Hobart’s death bowling came to the fore at Bellerive Oval as they successfully defended an 8-178 total that looked slightly below par.
Riley Meredith (2-29 off four overs) took two crucial scalps in the latter overs after Sixers import James Vince (67 off 41) appeared to have set up the chase.
Meredith, who at times clocked more than 150kph, bowled Jack Edwards (47 off 39) in the 15th over.
He returned in the 18th over with Sydney needing 38 from 18 balls but conceded just four runs and had Daniel Hughes (9 off 12) chopping on.
Vince top-scored for the Sixers, who were cruising at 1-118 in the 14th over when he fell to James Faulkner (2-22).
They finished on 6-162, losing wickets in each of the final three overs.
Earlier, Hobart was sent in and found themselves 2-4 after seven balls, with linchpin opener D’Arcy Short falling for a golden duck.
South African import Colin Ingram and Singapore-born Tim David both hit half-centuries to resurrect the innings.
David, who has represented his country of birth in 14 Twenty20 internationals, top-scored with 58 off 33 balls and was named player of the match.
He shared a 40-run partnership with Ingram, who stabilised the innings at number three with 55 from 42 deliveries.
Hobart claimed three competition points for the win, but Sydney picked up the bonus point for being ahead at the 10-over mark.
In the first match under three new rules, neither team opted for a mid-innings replacement player.
AAP
