Wright’s ton sweeps aside the Hurricanes

Melbourne Stars register 19-run win over Hobart in BBL.

A superb century by Luke Wright, who was involved in a 162-run opening wicket partnership, set up a 19-run win for Melbourne Stars over Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League.

Wright made his highest score of 117, his second Twenty20 century, as Melbourne scored a mammoth 203 for three off their quota. Despite whirlwind half-centuries by the hosts’ Travis Birt and Owais Shah, the total proved too much for Hurricanes who were restricted to 184 for nine.

The England international, averaging a modest 15 in international Twenty20s, hit nine sixes and eight boundaries in his 60-ball knock and was ably supported by Robert Quiney till the 17th over. Quiney was dismissed for 62 and Wright followed soon but by then the damage was done. Pakistan discard Rana Navedul Hasan dismissed both openers and finished with two for 38.

In reply, Hobart lost wickets at regular intervals with former Australia leg-spinner Shane Warne picking up two and James Faulkner finishing with four scalps.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 10^th, 2012.