Ellis-less Hurricanes humble unbeaten Sixers in Hobart

The Hobart Hurricanes have overcome the late withdrawal of quick and captain Nathan Ellis to inflict the Sydney Sixers’ first Big Bash League loss of the season.

Ellis pulled out from Wednesday afternoon’s clash at Ninja Stadium with illness, but his bowling teammmates stood up against the table-topping Sixers.

The Hurricanes posted 6-161 and bowled out Sydney for 111 in 19.3 overs to jump to fourth on the ladder with a third win in a row.

Import Chris Jordan picked up 3-22, including the big scalps of James Vince (11) early and noted finisher Jordan Silk (20) in the middle overs.

He was assisted by Afghanistan’s Waqar Salamkheil, who took 2-22 with his left-arm wrist spin and bowled Kurtis Patterson with one that turned the other way.

Hobart allrounder Nikhil Chaudhary was impressive, top scoring with 42 from 31 deliveries and picking up 1-15 with the ball.

The Sixers, who stay in first place on the ladder, had won four from four prior to the match, while the Hurricanes are on the rise after being flogged by the Renegades in their opening game.

Earlier, evergreen Sixers quick Jackson Bird took career-best Twenty20 figures of 4-16 on familiar turf in Hobart after his side won the toss and elected to bowl.

The 38-year-old, who played for Tasmania for more than a decade, removed big hitters Matthew Wade, Shai Hope, Ben McDermott and Tim David.