Adelaide crush Hobart in BBL

Opener Tim Ludeman’s fireworks with the bat propelled the Adelaide Strikers to an eight-wicket New Year’s Eve triumph against Hobart Hurricanes.

Ludeman, a week after cracking the fastest half-century in Big Bash League history, smacked 54 from 33 balls to ensure the Strikers remain unbeaten in the tournament after three games.

Chasing the Hobart’s middling total of 8-136, Ludeman starred as Adelaide reeled in the target with 33 balls to spare.

Ludeman smacked three sixes from four Ben Hilfenhaus deliveries en route to victory.

The pocket-sized wicketkeeper batsman posted his half-century from just 26 balls – some eight deliveries slower than his record-breaking knock against the Melbourne Stars in the tournament opener.

Ludeman smashed four fours and four sixes in a knock which thrilled the 43,288 strong crowd – a record for a domestic cricket fixture at Adelaide Oval.

His teammate Jono Dean also got in on the act with six sixes in his unbeaten 54 from 35 balls.

The feats of Ludeman and Dean ensured a smooth run chase for Adelaide after their express quick Shaun Tait took three wickets to restrict Hobart’s batsmen.

Tait returned fine figures of 3-22 from four overs in the Adelaide Oval encounter to put the unbeaten Strikers on track for their third consecutive triumph.

Paceman Ben Laughlin claimed two wickets as the Hurricanes failed to gain much traction after winning the toss and batting.

Jon Wells top-scored with 58 not out from 36 balls and glued the innings together after the visitors slumped to 5-64 in the 11th over.

Opener Alex Hales struck 29 from 24 deliveries but was the only other batsman to pass 12 runs they restricted Hobart’s batsmen.

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