Archer’s brace stuns Brisbane as Hurricanes extend lead

HOBART, Australia, CMC – Barbadian fast bowler Jofra Archer moved his wickets tally for the Big Bash League to 13, after taking a brace on Tuesday to help Hobart Hurricanes brush aside Brisbane Heat by nine wickets and consolidate their hold on the top of the standings.

The 23-year-old Archer snatched two for 28 as Brisbane, sent in, were held to 145 for six off their 20 overs at Bellerive Oval.

They were tottering on 27 for four in the sixth over after Archer and seamers James Faulkner (2-27) and David Moody (2-27) combined in a devastating partnership to wreck the top order.

Archer got the key wicket of captain Chris Lynn, caught by George Bailey at mid-off in the fifth over with 27 runs on the board.

With his next very next delivery, he claimed left-hander Matt Renshaw to a catch at the wicket but failed to get the hat-trick in his next over.

However, Alex Ross arrived to slam 62 off 35 deliveries while Jimmy Peirson struck a patient 50 off 48 deliveries, in a crucial 109-run, fifth wicket stand.

In reply, Hurricanes made light work of their target, with D’Arcy Short hammering 68 not out and Caleb Jewell, an unbeaten 61, to put their side over the line with over five overs remaining.

The pair put on 132 in an unbroken second wicket stand after captain Matthew Wade fell cheaply for 12 in the second over.

Hurricanes top the standings with 18 points from 11 matches, four clear of Sydney Sixers in second.

Archer resides in England and is expected to complete his eligibility residency period shortly, making him an option for the upcoming 50-overs World Cup in England starting in May.