Rishad’s Big Bash campaign ends as Hurricanes fall to Sixers

Bangladesh leg-spinner Rishad Hossain’s Big Bash League season came to an end on Friday as Hobart Hurricanes suffered a 57-run defeat to Sydney Sixers in the Challenger match at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

The loss brought Hobart’s campaign in this year’s BBL to a close at the final hurdle, while Sydney sealed their place in the final as the second team to qualify.

After winning the toss, Hobart captain Ben McDermott opted to field, but his bowlers soon found themselves under pressure as the Sixers piled up a commanding 198 for eight in their 20 overs. In reply, Hobart’s chase unravelled under scoreboard pressure, with the Hurricanes bundled out for 141.

Despite the disappointing result, Rishad was a standout performer with the ball, finishing with figures of two for 33 from four overs.

The leg-spinner made an immediate impact upon his introduction, conceding just five runs in his first over, the fifth of the innings. His second over -- the eighth of the innings -- proved more challenging as he leaked nine runs but continued to trouble the batters. The 23-year-old bowled his most eventful over when he returned in the 13th, beginning it in style by clean bowling Steven Smith, who top-scored for Sydney with 65 off 43 balls and was the most destructive batter on the day.

However, Rishad was then put under severe pressure, conceding two fours, a six and a single from the next four deliveries before bouncing back to dismiss Moses Henriques (19 off eight balls), completing a dramatic over.

Rishad was unfortunate not to add another wicket to his tally midway through the 17th over when Jack Edwards edged one behind, an appeal that was turned down by the on-field umpire. Hobart chose not to review the decision, much to Rishad’s frustration, as UltraEdge later confirmed a clear nick. He still conceded just four runs in that over, underlining his control at the death.

Among the other Hurricanes bowlers, Riley Meredith led the attack with three wickets, while Billy Stanlake also picked up two.

Sydney’s innings was largely anchored by Smith, whose fluent knock ensured momentum remained with the hosts despite the absence of any other substantial contribution. Joel Davies made 27, while Daniel Hughes (13), Josh Philippe (15), Henriques (19) and Edwards (15) all chipped in to propel the total close to 200.

Chasing the steep target, Hobart never found stability as wickets fell regularly from the outset. Captain McDermott top-scored with 40, while Beau Webster added 24. None of the remaining batters managed to cross the 20-run mark, leaving the Hurricanes well short.

While Hobart’s campaign ended in disappointment, Rishad’s impactful showing on a high-pressure playoff stage stood out as a major positive. He finished the tournament with 15 wickets -- joint-most by a spinner alongside Cooper Connolly and Lloyd Pope, and joint fourth-highest overall -- at an impressive economy rate of 7.82.