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Former Australia opener David Warner rolled back the years with a brutal unbeaten century, but his heroics were overshadowed as Hobart Hurricanes completed a record-breaking run chase against Sydney Thunder in a BBL|15 run-fest at the ENGIE Stadium.
Warner smashed 130 not out off 65 deliveries, hammering 11 fours and nine sixes in an innings that rewrote the record books. It was the highest individual score of BBL|15 and the highest ever by a Sydney Thunder batter. Despite the scale of the knock, Thunder were left empty-handed as the Hurricanes chased down the daunting target with 13 balls to spare.
David Warner joins elite T20 century club
Warner’s century was only his second in the BBL history and his first since 2011, underlining the rarity of the moment. The knock also took him to nine men’s T20 centuries overall, placing him alongside Virat Kohli and Rilee Rossouw on the all-time list.
130 not out. 65 balls.
Here’s the best of David Warner’s incredible #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 sit above Warner in men’s T20 cricket. Warner’s late assault was particularly savage, plundering 50 runs from his final 15 balls to drag Thunder to a formidable total.
Sydney Thunder post 205 but Hobart Hurricanes refuse to blink
Put in to bat first, Sydney Thunder finished on 4 for 205, with Warner dominating proceedings from start to finish. Nic Maddinson provided support with a brisk 30, but it was Warner’s power-hitting that ensured Thunder crossed the 200-run mark.
David Warner brought out the ‘6-7’ celebration after his trademark jump 😂 #BBL15 pic.twitter.com/e3TtlebNBf
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 3, 2026
At the halfway stage, the total appeared match-winning, especially given Thunder’s desperation for points after a difficult start to the season. However, 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 counterattack, racing to 108 without loss in just 8.2 overs. Ward led the charge with a superb 90 off 49 balls, while Owen blazed 45 from only 18 deliveries.
The blistering stand effectively broke the back of the chase, forcing Thunder into defensive mode far earlier than expected and turning the contest into a shootout.
Sydney Thunder clawed back briefly through Daniel Sams, who claimed 3 for 36 to create a flicker of hope. However, that momentum was short-lived as Nikhil Chaudhary held his nerve.
Chaudhary finished unbeaten on 29 off 14 balls, guiding Hobart to 206 for 4 and sealing the highest successful run chase ever recorded at ENGIE Stadium. The victory also marked a record BBL chase at the venue.
The defending champions have just completed a record run chase at ENGIE Stadium 💜 #BBL15 pic.twitter.com/gkKm4d6R1a
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 3, 2026
The win lifted 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 consecutive victories. 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 hanging by a thread.
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