Hobart Hurricanes have Aiden Blizzard to thank after his half-century helped steer the Tasmanians to victory against the Cape Cobras in their Champions League T20 Group B clash in Hyderabad.
The South African side batted first and lost Hashim Amla early in their innings when was he bowled for eight by Ben Hilfenhaus [2-49].
Cape then lost Omphile Ramela for 21 before Richard Levi and Dane Vilas put on 48 for the third wicket as their chances of posting an imposing total increased.
The Cobras then lost wickets at regular intervals with Ben Laughlin claiming two scalps as the Cape Town outfit were reduced to 132-6 with overs running out.
However, a partnership of 52 between Vernon Philander [32 not out] and Robin Peterson [25 not out] took the South African side to 184-6.
That hope appeared to be extinguished when Ben Dunk flashed his blade early in Hobart's reply and, despite the loss of Tim Paine for seven, the Tasmanians stayed ahead of the required run rate in the first five overs.
Dunk was then dismissed for 55 as the Hurricanes scoring rate began to decelerate and their task was made harder when both Shoaib Malik and Travis Birt were dismissed in the middle of their innings.
Hobart looked to be in danger of losing a match that they were once comfortable in when they required 31 runs off the final 16 balls.
However, they were saved as Blizzard's blistering knock of 78 off 48, including a match-winning six, proved enough to seal a six-wicket victory.
Chris O'Keefe
