Cricket: Sydney march into Big Bash final

Rana’s cameo goes in vain as Hobart go down in semis.

Despite a cameo by all-rounder Rana Navedul Hasan, Sydney Sixers marched into the Big Bash League final after a narrow seven-run over Hobart Hurricanes at the Bellerive Oval.

Rana hit a 14-ball 30, including two sixes and a couple of boundaries, to give Hobart a chance of overhauling the 154-run total after the hosts were reduced to 113 for seven in the 18th over. However, disciplined bowling by fast-bowler Brett Lee and Ian Moran ensured the total proved too much. Leg-spinner Steven Smith also chipped in with a couple of wickets including the prized scalp of Phil Jacques after the opener gave the hosts a flying start.

Earlier, Nic Maddinson’s superb half-century ensured Sydney ended with a competitive total. The 20-year-old left hander’s career-best 68, which included eight hits to the boundary, also earned him the man-of-the-match award. Rana claimed one for 29, while Ben Laughlin finished with a couple of wickets.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 23^rd,  2012.