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Former Australia opener David Warner rolled back the years with a brutal unbeaten century, but his exploits were overshadowed as the Hobart Hurricanes completed a record-breaking chase against Sydney Thunder in a BBL|15 run-fest at the ENGIE Stadium.
Warner smashed 130 not out from 65 deliveries, hammering 11 fours and nine sixes in an innings that rewrote the record books. This was the highest individual score in BBL|15 and the highest ever by a Sydney Thunder batter. Despite the magnitude of the blow, the Thunder were left empty-handed as the Hurricanes chased down the intimidating target with 13 balls to spare.
David Warner joins the elite club of the 20th century
Warner’s century was only his second in BBL history and his first since 2011, highlighting the rarity of the moment. The knock also took him to nine men’s T20 centuries in total, putting him alongside Virat Kohli And Rilee Rossouw on the all-time list.
130 not released. 65 balls.
Here’s the best of David Warner’s incredible film #BBL15 hundred! pic.twitter.com/GperFoc4ye
– KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 3, 2026
Only Chris Gayle with 22 centuries and Babar Azam with 11 above Warner in men’s T20 cricket. Warner’s late onslaught was particularly savage, plundering 50 runs from his last 15 balls to drag Thunder to a formidable total.
Sydney Thunder post 205 but Hobart Hurricanes refuse to blink
Put into bat first, Sydney Thunder finished on 4 for 205, with Warner dominating proceedings from start to finish. Nic Maddinson provided support with a quick 30, but it was Warner’s power that saw Thunder cross the 200-point mark.
David Warner celebrated the “6-7” celebration after his signature jump 😂 #BBL15 pic.twitter.com/e3TtlebNBf
– KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 3, 2026
At the halfway point, the total looked winning, especially considering the Thunder’s desperate quest for points after a difficult start to the season. However, the Hobart Hurricanes had other ideas on a flat Sydney surface.
Tim Ward and Mitch Owen destroy the chase early
Hobart’s response was explosive. Openers Tim Ward and Mitch Owen launched a stunning counter-attack, reaching an unbeaten 108 in just 8.2 overs. Ward led the charge with a superb 90 off 49 balls, while Owen blazed 45 off just 18 deliveries.
The lightning stance effectively broke the back of the chase, forcing Thunder into defensive mode much earlier than expected and turning the contest into a shootout.
Sydney Thunder recovered briefly through Daniel Sams, who claimed 3 for 36 to create a glimmer of hope. However, this momentum was short-lived as Nikhil Chaudhary kept his cool.
Chaudhary finished unbeaten on 29 from 14 balls, guiding Hobart to 206 for 4 and sealing the most successful run chase ever at the ENGIE Stadium. The victory also marked a record BBL chase at the venue.
The reigning champions have just completed a record chase at the ENGIE Stadium 💜 #BBL15 pic.twitter.com/gkKm4d6R1a
– KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 3, 2026
The win propelled the defending champions into the top half of the BBL|15 standings with a 5-2 record and extended their dominance over Thunder to six straight wins. For Sydney Thunder, the loss was crushing. They slumped to 1-5 for the season and 0-3 at ENGIE Stadium, leaving their finals hopes up in the air.
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