16 Jul, 2025 | 06:31 PM
A stellar fourth-wicket partnership between Tom Bruce and Curtis Heaphy, backed by disciplined bowling from Ajaz Patel and Blair Tickner, powered Central Districts to their first win in the Global Super League (GSL) 2025. They defeated the Hobart Hurricanes by 16 runs in Providence on Tuesday.
Batting first, Central Districts posted 167 for 4, anchored by a 113-run stand between captain Bruce and Heaphy. In reply, Hobart Hurricanes fell short despite a late surge from Mohammad Nabi and Fabian Allen, finishing on 151 for 8.
Having lost their opening two matches chasing, Central Districts opted to bat first. Their innings started shakily, losing Dane Cleaver and Will Young inside the powerplay with just 37 on the board. When Josh Clarkson fell soon after, the side was reeling at 40 for 3 in the eighth over.
Bruce and Heaphy then took charge, rebuilding the innings with a measured yet aggressive partnership. Bruce led the assault, striking 62 off 35 balls, while Heaphy remained unbeaten on 50 from 38 deliveries. Their partnership, lasting over 12 overs, lifted the side to 153 before Bruce was dismissed by Odean Smith. A quick cameo from Matthew Forde—who smashed 6, 6, 2 off the final three deliveries—pushed Central Districts to a competitive total.
Hobart Hurricanes' chase faltered early, mirroring Central’s struggles. They too were reduced to 38 for 3 by the eighth over, and their situation worsened as wickets tumbled regularly. Ajaz Patel starred with the ball, picking up 2 wickets for just 18 runs, while Tickner kept things tight through the middle overs.
At 84 for 6 after 15 overs, Hurricanes looked out of the contest, but a spirited seventh-wicket stand between Nabi and Allen revived hope. The duo added 65 runs in quick time, with Nabi scoring 43 off 25 and Allen hammering an unbeaten 36 off just 16 balls, including five sixes. Despite their efforts, the Hurricanes ended 16 runs short.
The result leaves all three teams—Central Districts, Hobart Hurricanes, and Dubai Capitals—with two points each from three games. However, based on net run rate, Hurricanes remain third on the five-team table, followed by Dubai Capitals and Central Districts at the bottom.
Central Districts 167/4 (Bruce 62, Heaphy 50*, Stanlake 1-20)
Hobart Hurricanes 151/8 (Nabi 43, Allen 36*, Ajaz 2-18)
Result: Central Districts won by 16 runs.
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