“They’ll take some beating”: Ponting previews the BBL|14 Final

The BBL|14 season reaches its climax on Monday night as the Hobart Hurricanes host the Sydney Thunder in the Final at Ninja Stadium.

It’s been a different journey for the two sides to get to this point, with the Hurricanes the most dominant team all season, finishing top of the ladder and winning straight through to the decider with a victory against the Sydney Sixers last Tuesday.

As for the Thunder, they’ve had to go about things the long way after finishing third, with wins against the Stars and Sixers booking their place in the Final.

Aussie cricket great Ricky Ponting, an inaugural Hurricane, hopes that his former side can win a maiden premiership and he expects them to be very hard to beat at home.

“Hopefully the Hurricanes can get it done,” Ponting said.

“Obviously I've got quite an affiliation with the Hobart Hurricanes and they have had a really good season after starting the season being bowled out for 74 in their first game.

“They've been able to string together some really good and consistent cricket right the way through the tournament. 

“Their record at home this year has been outstanding, so I think they’ll take some beating.”

While Ponting is backing the ‘Canes, he thinks that the Thunder can easily cause another finals upset, particularly if skipper David Warner gets going at the top of the order.

“The Sydney Thunder have also had an incredible season,” Ponting said.

“When you think what they've done, where they've come from, and the injuries they had to Daniel Sams and Cameron Bancroft, to get through to where they have has been is a super effort. 

“But I think a lot of their chances tonight will ride on the bat of David Warner and probably how well the three spinners (Tanveer Sangha, Chris Green and Tom Andrews) bowl and just how well the Hurricanes play them.”

The BBL Final begins at 7:15 pm (AEDT) on Monday night, listen to every ball LIVE on SEN and the SEN app.