Rishad spins Hobart to commanding win with career-best BBL figures

Bangladesh leg-spinner Rishad Hossain delivered his best bowling performance of the ongoing Big Bash League as Hobart Hurricanes cruised to a dominant 37-run victory over Adelaide Strikers on Friday.

Rishad finished with impressive figures of three for 26 from his four overs, surpassing his previous best of three for 33 against Perth Scorchers last month.

After losing the toss and being sent in to bat, the Hurricanes posted a competitive total of 178-6. In reply, Adelaide were restricted to 141 for nine in their allotted 20 overs.

The performance marked a strong comeback for Rishad, who had gone wicketless in his previous two matches. With this outing, the leg-spinner has now taken 11 wickets in the tournament -- joint-most among spinners -- level with Adelaide’s Lloyd Pope, who also has 11 scalps. The tally has also taken him past his compatriot Shakib Al Hasan (9), making him the Bangladesh player with the most wickets in the Big Bash League.

Rishad struck in his very first over, dismissing Harry Manenti off the final ball as the batter attempted a paddle sweep and was caught at short fine leg. He followed it up immediately by removing Jamie Overton off the first delivery of his next over. Overton was beaten by Rishad’s turn while advancing down the wicket and was stumped.

Although Rishad claimed two wickets in his first two overs, he was not fully in control early on, conceding 21 runs during that phase. However, he turned the game decisively in his final two overs -- the 11th and 15th of the innings -- giving away just five runs and picking up the wicket of Luke Wood.

Hobart had already made a strong start with the ball before Rishad was introduced in the fifth over, as Adelaide lost four wickets early. Pacers Riley Meredith and Nathan Ellis shared the spoils, removing the entire top four of the Strikers’ batting lineup.

Adelaide’s resistance came largely through Liam Scott, who struck an unbeaten 91 off 58 balls, but his effort was not enough to prevent a comprehensive defeat.