James Vince launched his Australian KFC Big Bash League stint in blistering style with a quick-fire 44 which pointed Sydney Thunder to a crucial six-wicket win over Hobart Hurricanes in Tasmania.
The Hampshire captain opened the batting for the Thunder, who were asked to chase down the Hurricanes' 161-8 off 20 overs, writes Mike Vimpany
Vince smashed the first ball he received from left-arm spinner Clive Rose through the covers and went on to breach the boundary rope five more times, in addition to launching Dan Christian for a sumptuous straight six into a near capacity 18,000 crowd.
His 44 came off 27 balls - his innings ending when he was caught on the deep mid-wicket boundary.
Defending BBL champions Sydney Thunder eventually got home by six wickets with 19 balls to spare - one-time Hampshire all-rounder Shane Watson cracking a rapid 55 not out.
"James hit the ball beautifully," praised Watson. "He times the ball so sweetly and will be a great addition to our squad. We have to win our last two matches to stand any chance of qualifying for the semi-finals."
Dropped from Australia's 1-day squad for the upcoming five-match ODI Series against Pakistan, Hampshire's 2017 overseas signing George Bailey hit an unbeaten 59 for Hobart.
The Hampshire captain opened the batting for the Thunder, who were asked to chase down the Hurricanes' 161-8 off 20 overs, writes Mike Vimpany
Vince smashed the first ball he received from left-arm spinner Clive Rose through the covers and went on to breach the boundary rope five more times, in addition to launching Dan Christian for a sumptuous straight six into a near capacity 18,000 crowd.
His 44 came off 27 balls - his innings ending when he was caught on the deep mid-wicket boundary.
Defending BBL champions Sydney Thunder eventually got home by six wickets with 19 balls to spare - one-time Hampshire all-rounder Shane Watson cracking a rapid 55 not out.
"James hit the ball beautifully," praised Watson. "He times the ball so sweetly and will be a great addition to our squad. We have to win our last two matches to stand any chance of qualifying for the semi-finals."
Dropped from Australia's 1-day squad for the upcoming five-match ODI Series against Pakistan, Hampshire's 2017 overseas signing George Bailey hit an unbeaten 59 for Hobart.
