Mitchell Owen smashed his way to a 39-ball century during Monday’s Big Bash Final as the Hobart Hurricanes chased down Sydney Thunder’s first-innings score of 182 runs.
His heroics saw the Hobart Hurricanes cruise their way to a seven-wicket victory and their first-ever Big Bash title in front of their home fans at the Ninja Stadium in Tasmania.
The 23-year-old was branded ‘fearless’ by some on social media as he stepped to the crease to produce a historic knock, racing to his way to the BBL’s third-fastest half-century after just 16 deliveries.
Remarkably, Owen struck 11 sixes during the encounter before he was eventually caught out by Hugh Weibgen at deep square leg for 108 runs off 42 balls
But the insane knock saw him equal the record for the fastest century in a Big Bash final which was set by Craig Simmons back in 2014, who scored his ton after 39 deliveries.
He also became the first cricketer to score 11 sixes in a Big Bash final, getting the home fans on their feet with some incredible shots over the boundary. He had broken the record after he struck his ninth six after 30 deliveries.
‘It was pretty special,’ Owen told Fox Cricket.
‘I could [hear the crowd] and I was trying to stay calm, but that got me going. Maybe I need that every game and sing it inside my head.
‘I have a lot of friends and family here. It’s something I have dreamed of for a long time.’
After securing the victory, Owen said: ‘It’s an amazing feeling, I’m lost for words. Super grateful to all the fans, you really got us going out there, thank you very much!
‘Feels like a long time ago to be honest. I was just doing what I’ve been trying to do the whole competition.’
Simmons, who had previously held the record for the fastest Big Bash final ton, took to X to lump praise on Owen.
‘Serious knock by big boy Owen, great 100 in a final,’ Simmons wrote.
‘Nice to have another member in the sub 40 ball 100 club.
He joked that the pair would have to settle who was the best batsman over an ‘eat off’.
‘Maybe we can take that player of the match KFC voucher and settle it over an eat off.’
Thunder had started well against the Hurricanes, but they were simply outclassed by a special innings from Owen, with Aussie cricket great Mark Waugh lumping praise on Hobart and Owen before claiming that Australia selectors must take note of his insane skills.
‘This is as good as hitting as you will ever see from anyone at any time in the history of cricket,’ Mark Waugh said on Fox Cricket.
‘They have no answer tonight. Everything the Thunder has tried, he has been able to whack it out of the ground.’
He added: ‘The Australian selectors would have to be taking notice of Mitch Owen’s batting in this tournament.
‘In the T20 level obviously, as good hitting as I’ve seen in a long time in this tournament. Fields well, can bowl.
‘He’s crunched anything in his arc, whether it be spin or pace.’
Adam Gilchrist was also left stunned by the epic innings, stating to Fox Cricket: ‘Unforgettable moment, unforgettable scenes. Parents holding children aloft over their heads, no one in attendance will forget what they just witnessed.’
After Owen left the crease, Wade stepped up to wrap up the innings, with the wicket keeper following in the footsteps of the Hurricanes opener, with five fours and a six of his own.
More to follow…
