The Big Bash League (BBL) 2024-25 concluded on Monday, January 27, with the Hobart Hurricanes claiming their first-ever league title. They defeated the Sydney Thunder by seven wickets, ending a 14-year wait for the coveted trophy.
The 14th season of Australia’s premier T20 league was packed with thrilling action, as fierce battles between bat and ball kept fans on the edge of their seats. While emerging stars like Mitchell Owen and Jason Sangha made their mark, seasoned campaigners such as Steve Smith, David Warner, and Glenn Maxwell also provided plenty of entertainment.
The Hobart Hurricanes finished the league stage on top with 15 points from 10 matches, followed closely by the Sydney Sixers (14 points) and Sydney Thunder (12 points). Melbourne Stars mounted a strong comeback, winning their final five games to secure fourth place.
In the Qualifier, the Hurricanes defeated the Sixers to earn a direct spot in the final, while the Thunder triumphed over both the Stars and the Sixers in the Knockout and Challenger to seal their place in the championship match.
In the final, Hobart Hurricanes were put on the backfoot after winning the toss and opting to bowl first. The Thunder made a solid start, with David Warner and Jason Sangha building a strong partnership. However, the tide turned when Hurricanes’ captain Nathan Ellis struck twice in quick succession, reducing Sydney from 97/0 to 97/2.
Ellis bowled brilliantly in the death overs, finishing with 3/23 from his four overs. A late cameo from Chris Green helped Thunder set a challenging target of 183 runs.
During the chase, Mitchell Owen, the tournament’s top run-scorer, got off to a blazing start, forming a 109-run opening partnership with Caleb Jewell in just 7.2 overs. Owen reached his century in just 39 balls, matching the fastest century in BBL history, and finished with a career-best 108 runs off 42 balls.
Thanks to Owen’s explosive knock and Matthew Wade’s 32, Hobart chased down the target in just 14.1 overs, clinching the BBL 2024-25 title in a thrilling final.
BBL 2024-25: List of all award winners
Winners – Hobart Hurricanes (1st title)
Runners-up – Sydney Thunder
Man of the Match in final – Mitchell Owen (108 runs off 42 balls)
Most runs in the tournament – Mitchell Owen (452 runs in 11 innings)
Most wickets in the tournament – Jason Behrendorff (17 wickets in 10 innings)