HUR vs REN Match

7:59 AM IST We have entered the final week of the league stage in the 2024/25 Big Bash League, and match 34 offers an enticing clash between the Hobart Hurricanes and Melbourne Renegades at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart. With two playoff spots already secured, the battle for the remaining two is intensifying, and this encounter features teams at opposite ends of the spectrum. The Hurricanes have already clinched their playoff berth and are now gunning for a top-two finish. Riding a wave of momentum, they have won their last five completed matches, with Tim David smashing consecutive fifties in their last two victories. However, they will be without Ben McDermott, who is sidelined by a hamstring injury. In his absence, the likes of Mitchell Owen, Matthew Wade, and Nikhil Chaudhary will need to shoulder the batting responsibilities. Skipper Nathan Ellis has had a quieter season than usual, but with the playoffs looming, he will be eager to hit top form and support Riley Meredith and Chris Jordan, who have been instrumental in Hobart’s success. For the Renegades, it’s now or never. Their playoff hopes hang by a thread, and even winning their last two games might not suffice. With just one win in their last five outings, they face an uphill battle against the in-form Hurricanes. Tim Seifert, after a strong start with a half-century, has lost steam, compounding their batting struggles. Jake Fraser-McGurk, Josh Brown, and Jacob Bethell have also underperformed, leaving the team in a precarious position. To make matters worse, their bowling unit allowed the Stars to post 165 after having them reeling at 75/7 in their last match. The absence of Kane Richardson due to soreness adds another layer of challenge, leaving Tom Rogers, Fergus O'Neill, and Will Sutherland to step up alongside spin maestro Adam Zampa. Can the Renegades click as a unit and keep their campaign alive with a win? We shall find out.