BBL: Chasing is always a team’s preferred option in T20 cricket. It is because in the run-chase they know about the target and how to play in the innings. That is why we have seen so many big totals getting chased in T20 cricket. And in this article, we will talk about one such record for the highest total chased.
Well, as we all know, the 12th edition of the Big Bash League will start in Australia after the T20 World Cup. The tournament will kick off on December 16 and will be played till February 4 with 61 matches in total. With the new season, more amazing matches will be played. However, here we will discuss the highest BBL total ever chased in history.
Highest Total Chased in BBL
Team | Target | Against | Venue | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Adelaide Strikers | 230 | HUR | Adelaide | 2022-23 |
Hobart Hurricanes | 223/8 | Melbourne Renegades | Melbourne | 2016–17 |
Hobart Hurricanes | 210/7 | Brisbane Heat | Brisbane | 2013–14 |
Hobart Hurricanes | 209/4 | Brisbane Heat | Hobart | 2014–15 |
Hobart Hurricanes | 196/3 | Sydney Thunder | Hobart | 2018–19 |
Sydney Sixers | 194/4 | Melbourne Stars | Melbourne | 2020–21 |
Hobart Hurricanes (209/4) vs Brisbane Heat in 2015
All four of the highest BBL chased are registered under the name of the Hobart Hurricanes. And the third and second highest chases came against one team, the Brisbane Heat. The third one came in the 2015 season. Hobart won the toss and chose to bowl first. Batting first, Brisbane made 208/6 in their 20 overs. Both openers scored a half-century each. Jimmy Peirson made a 35-ball 57, while Peter Forrest scored 62 off 43.
It was a big total to chase, and it needed a record chase. So, both Hobart openers also batted well, and they also scored their respective fifties to give the team a good start. Ben Dunk made 67 off 40 and Tim Paine scored 54 off 25. Both added 120 runs in just nine overs to put the team in the driver’s seat. In the end, skipper George Bailey (28* off 12) gave the team the finishing touch and Hobart registered the fourth highest chase of 209/4 in 19 overs.
Hobart Hurricanes (210/7) vs Brisbane Heat in 2013
The third highest chase came in the 2013 season in a match between the Hobart Hurricanes and Brisbane Heat. It was Brisbane who won the toss and elected to bat first. They lost the first wicket in the very first over, but then they had a 76 run partnership for the second. Craig Kieswetter made 50 off just 24 balls and Joe Burns played an innings of 45 balls for 69. But the finishing touch was given by Dan Christian, who played a blinder of 70* off 40 balls.
Thus, Brisbane made a big total of 209/3 in their first innings. It was a big target to chase, and Hobart needed good partnerships. And that’s what happened. They got 50-run partnerships for the first two wickets, which put them ahead in the game. Ben Dunk made 69 off 33 balls with five fours and four sixes. Jonathan Wells remained unbeaten on 36* off 20 to finish the game. Hobart made 210/7 in 19.2 overs to register the third highest BBL chase.
2. Hobart Hurricanes (223/8) vs Melbourne Renegades in BBL 2017
The 24th game of the 2017 BBL was a record-breaking match in the history of the BBL. This game saw over 440 runs in 40 overs. Both the second and third highest BBL totals came in this game. It was the match between the Hobart Hurricanes and Melbourne Renegades. Hobart won the toss and put Melbourne to bat first. Batting first, Melbourne made a massive score of 222/4 in their 20 overs. Skipper Aaron Finch made 63 off 40.
Tom Cooper played a quick cameo of 53* off 24 balls. In the chase, Hobart had a poor start with both openers getting out for 19 runs in 2.2 overs. But after that, Ben McDermott and George Bailey added 151 runs for the third wicket to take their team near to the total. Bailey made 59 off 42, while McDermott scored a brilliant century. He made 114 off 52 balls with 8 fours and 9 sixes. Hobart chased down the target off the very last ball and made 223/8. This is the second highest BBL chase ever.