The Hobart Hurricanes ended a 13-year wait for glory, lifting their first Big Bash League trophy in dramatic fashion on February 1, 2025, at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Chasing 201 runs against the defending champions, the Brisbane Heat, the Hurricanes didn’t just win—they rewrote the record books. Openers Caleb Jewell and Mitchell Owen smashed the joint fastest century partnership in BBL history, racing to 100 runs in just 39 balls. Jewell, in particular, unleashed 11 sixes in a blistering 102 off 51 balls, while Nikhil Chaudhary sealed the deal with a six off the penultimate delivery. It wasn’t just a victory—it was a statement.
A Dynasty Finally Broken
The Brisbane Heat entered the final as back-to-back champions, having won the 2023-24 title in a commanding 54-run victory over the Sydney Sixers at the same venue. But this time, the script flipped. The Heat had topped the league stage and survived a tense qualifier against the Adelaide Strikers, but their bowling attack—once feared—cracked under pressure. Jewell and Owen’s assault left the Heat’s spinners and pace bowlers looking helpless. It was the kind of performance that turns underdogs into legends overnight.
The Scorchers’ Reign: The True Kings of BBL
While the Hurricanes’ win stole headlines, the real story of the Big Bash League remains the Perth Scorchers. With five titles (2013-14, 2014-15, 2016-17, 2021-22, 2022-23), they’re the most decorated franchise in league history. Their dominance wasn’t flashy—it was relentless. Under captains like Adam Voges and Josh Inglis, they built a machine: tight bowling, explosive top order, and clutch finishes. They’ve played in five finals and won three, often against the Sixers in what’s become the league’s most storied rivalry. The Scorchers didn’t just win—they defined what winning looks like in Australian T20 cricket.
The Sixers’ Back-to-Back Era and the Heat’s Rise
The Sydney Sixers weren’t far behind, claiming three titles—including consecutive wins in 2019-20 and 2020-21. In 2020-21, captain Moises Henriques led them to a 188-run total and then held off the Melbourne Renegades in a tense final. The Sixers’ consistency made them the league’s most reliable team for nearly a decade. Meanwhile, the Brisbane Heat emerged as a powerhouse in the 2010s, winning their first title in 2012-13 and adding another in 2023-24. Their aggressive batting and strong home ground advantage at the Gabba made them perennial contenders.
Who’s Still Waiting?
Among the eight franchises, only one remains titleless: the Melbourne Stars. Despite fielding stars like David Warner and Glenn Maxwell, they’ve reached the final twice—2015-16 and 2018-19—and lost both. The 2018-19 final, where the Melbourne Renegades stunned them under Aaron Finch, still stings. The Stars’ inability to close out big games has become a narrative as much as a statistic.
What This Means for the Future
The Hurricanes’ win signals a shift. For years, the league was dominated by Perth, Sydney, and Brisbane. Now, Tasmania has broken through. Their success came from blending youth—Jewell is 23, Owen 22—with experienced campaigners like Josh Inglis and James Faulkner. The league’s depth is growing. Teams like the Adelaide Strikers (2017-18 champions) and Sydney Thunder (2015-16 winners) remind us that even mid-table sides can rise. With the next season scheduled to begin in December 2025, expect more teams to invest in aggressive, fearless cricket.
The BBL’s Legacy
Since its launch in 2011-12, the Big Bash League has become Australia’s most popular domestic cricket competition. Played across 14 seasons, it’s drawn crowds to iconic venues like the Sydney Cricket Ground, the WACA, and the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The league’s format—city-based franchises, night games, fan zones, and high-octane cricket—has been copied globally. It’s not just about the title; it’s about creating moments. Like Jewell’s 11 sixes. Like the Hurricanes’ first trophy. Like a 13-year drought finally ending with a roar.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the Hobart Hurricanes qualify for the 2024-25 final?
The Hobart Hurricanes finished top of the league stage with 13 wins from 14 matches, earning direct entry to the Qualifier. They defeated the Sydney Sixers by 18 runs in the Qualifier at the SCG, with Caleb Jewell scoring 76 and Nikhil Chaudhary hitting a crucial 32 off 14 balls to seal the win and book their first-ever BBL final berth.
Why is the Perth Scorchers’ five-title record so significant?
The Perth Scorchers are the only team in BBL history to win five titles, including two back-to-back reigns (2013-14/14-15 and 2021-22/22-23). Their consistency over 14 seasons, combined with a high win percentage and five final appearances, makes them the league’s gold standard. No other franchise has won more than three titles.
Has any team won the BBL without finishing top of the table?
Yes. The 2023-24 Brisbane Heat finished second in the league stage but won the title after beating the Sydney Sixers in the Challenger and then defeating them again in the final. Similarly, the 2019-20 Sydney Sixers finished third but won the final. This shows the BBL’s knockout format rewards momentum over regular-season dominance.
Who holds the record for fastest century partnership in BBL history?
Caleb Jewell and Mitchell Owen of the Hobart Hurricanes shared the record with a 100-run stand in just 39 balls during the 2024-25 final, tying the mark set by Chris Lynn and D’Arcy Short for the Brisbane Heat in 2017-18. Both partnerships featured explosive six-hitting and came under immense pressure in finals.
Why have the Melbourne Stars never won the BBL?
Despite having star power and strong squads, the Melbourne Stars have faltered in big moments. They lost finals in 2015-16 and 2018-19, often collapsing under pressure. Their batting depth falters when key players are dismissed early, and their bowling has lacked a consistent death-over specialist—something rivals like the Scorchers and Sixers have mastered.
When does the next Big Bash League season start?
The next season, BBL|15, is scheduled to begin in early December 2025, following the traditional summer window. The final is expected to be held on or around February 1, 2026, likely again at the Sydney Cricket Ground, which has hosted six of the last 14 finals.