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The Bellerive Oval in Hobart is set to host a Big Bash League (BBL) match for the first time in the ongoing 2023-24 edition of the tournament. Two winless teams, Hobart Hurricanes and Melbourne Renegades will square off on Saturday, December 23.

The Hurricanes, led by Nic Maddinson, suffered a six-wicket defeat in their first game against the Sydney Sixers in Launceston. Hobart were restricted to just 135/8 in their 20 overs as no one apart from opener Caleb Jewell looked at ease. Daniel Hughes’ unbeaten half-century helped Sydney win the tie with four balls to spare.

In Hobart’s second game against Perth Scorchers, they recovered from 28/4 and 47/5 to post 172 runs. Chris Jordan starred with the bat, scoring 59 off just 20 balls. However, the target didn’t intimidate the defending champions whatsoever as they got over the line with nine wickets and 23 balls in the bank.

Meanwhile, the Renegades have also lost two matches thus far, while one ended in a no-result. Nathan Ellis’ men lost by eight runs against Sydney Sixers in an intriguing clash to start their campaign. Chasing 176 for a win, Jake Fraser-McGurk and Will Sutherland played enterprising knocks but others couldn’t rally around them. Melbourne’s second game against Perth was washed out after just 6.5 overs were bowled.

The most recent encounter involving the Renegades was against Brisbane Heat. Colin Munro and Co. made light work of a 163-run target as they chased it down with six wickets and 11 balls to spare. Fraser-McGurk did well once again with the bat, scoring a 23-ball 55. Paul Walter also picked up three wickets but these efforts didn’t prove to be enough.

There is not much to choose between these two teams as far as head-to-head record is concerned. The Hurricanes have a slender 9-8 lead in the 17 games played. Both teams would want to register a win to get their BBL 2023-24 campaign up and running.