Big Bash virtuoso Ben Dunk celebrated his birthday on Sunday, spearheading South Hobart-Sandy Bay to victory over a gallant Longford in the statewide Twenty20 final.
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The ex-Hobart Hurricane, Adelaide Striker and current Melbourne Star’s reputation for wreaking havoc on timid attacks arrived in a two-run-a-ball 68 that included six fours and two towering sixes.
The 30-year-old part-time gloveman would take up the ball and grab an additional two victims towards man-of-the-match honours.
“It’s always good to have a good game on your birthday,” a humble Dunk laughed.
“But more importantly, it was the occasion itself. It’s a great concept that premier league clubs from Hobart can play against teams all around the north of the state.”
Longford hero George Bailey joined Launceston-raised Alex Doolan and also Simon Milenko sitting out, Cricket Tasmania pulling rank on the state stars ahead of Tasmania’s key Sheffield Shield match starting in two days.
George Town pair Xavier Doherty and Gabe Bell were also missing from the Sharks lineup, Bell out for the season with a fractured right foot.
The reigning state Premier League champions piled on a massive 3-209 against the helpless Country Tigers.
Captain Sean Wills took over from Dunk to finish with 59 not out from 38 balls.
Longford lost wickets at regular intervals but swung its way to a hopeful 9-92.
Dion Blair took it to the Sharks attack, belting 33 off 21 balls with three fours and two sixes. Dilan Sandagirigoda earlier added 22 off 16.
The match looked dead, but tailenders Jesse Arnol and Brett Martin put on an unbroken 47-run last-wicket stand to push out to 139.
Dunk was full of praise for the TCL club’s adverse spirit.
“I think today shows why it’s really important to acknowledge the role that a club like Longford plays in the strength of Tasmanian cricket as a whole,” he said.
“I mean they’ve had juniors come through and play for Tasmania in the past.”