Blundstone Arena remains hub for Big Bash cricket despite Hobart COVID concerns
2 min read
The WBBL continued on Saturday night in Hobart despite concerns relating to a COVID-19 outbreak in the city.
Hobart and other parts of southern Tasmania were forced into a snap three-day lockdown after a NSW man allegedly entered the state illegally, before escaping hotel quarantine.
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A range of restrictions were inforced from Friday evening, with concerned raised that the WBBL hub would be affected.
Thankfully, matches went ahead at Blundstone Arena on Saturday night, albeit without fans.
« The league and all eight clubs are incredibly thankful to the Tasmanian Government for allowing the WBBL to safely continue in Hobart this weekend, » said Alistair Dobson, CA’s general manager of Big Bash Leagues.
« We’d also like to express our gratitude to players and staff from all Clubs, plus match officials, broadcast partners and venue staff for their understanding as we worked through the final details with the Tasmanian Government.
« The experience gained from last summer means all involved in the WBBL are well prepared to do whatever necessary to conduct a safe and successful competition this year. »
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In the first match of the day, the hometown Hurricanes posted 121 all out, which was chased down by the Melbourne Renegades with four balls to spare.
What should have been a relatively easy chase proved tricky for the Renegades, until the second last over, when they needed 10 runs from nine balls and Indian international Harmanpreet Kaur blasted a massive six over mid-wicket.
Adelaide then took the win in the second game of the double header, their total of 7-140 proving too much for the Sydney Thunder.
Strikers skipper Tahlia McGrath top scored with 42 from 34 balls, before taking 3-17 win the ball in a superb all-round performance as the Thunder were dismissed for 110.
The Hurricanes will quickly back up against the Sydney Sixers tomorrow at 10.15am (AEDT), before the Perth Scorchers and Brisbane Heat get their respective campaigns underway at 1.40pm.
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