Maron, van Luin fifties fire ACT to first Top End T20 win

Darwin, 28 August 2026: Zac Maron and Tyler van Luin struck matching half-centuries as Australian Capital Territory registered its first win of the Top End T20 Series with a seven-wicket victory over Hobart Hurricanes Academy on Friday.

Chasing 144 at Marrara Cricket Ground, ACT reached 147-3 in 17.5 overs, winning with 13 balls to spare after Maron and van Luin both scored 55.

The pair put ACT firmly in control with a 97-run opening partnership. Maron hit three fours and three sixes in his 42-ball innings, while van Luin was slightly quicker, facing 38 deliveries and also striking three fours and three sixes.

Gabe Bell provided Hobart’s only meaningful resistance with the ball, dismissing both openers and ACT captain Nic Broes to finish with 3-27 from four overs. But Zak Keogh, unbeaten on 21 and Tom Hogan, 10 not out, completed the chase without further trouble.

Earlier, ACT won the toss and elected to field before restricting Hobart Hurricanes Academy to 143-7 from its 20 overs.

Captain Bradley Hope top-scored for Hobart with 32 from 32 balls, while Teague Wyllie made 28 and Raf MacMillan provided late momentum with 25 from 15 deliveries. Hobart slipped to 59-4 before recovering through the middle and later overs.

Harry Thomas and Jeet Mehta claimed two wickets each for ACT, while Dylan Hunter was particularly economical, taking 1-10 from three overs.

The victory gave ACT its first two points of the tournament and left it eighth in the nine-team standings after five matches. Hobart Hurricanes Academy remains winless after five outings and sits at the bottom of the table.

Scores in brief:

ACT won by seven wickets with 13 balls remaining

Hobart Hurricanes Academy 143-7 in 20 overs (Bradley Hope 32, Teague Wyllie 28, Raf MacMillan 25; Harry Thomas 2-24, Jeet Mehta 2-27)

Australian Capital Territory 147-3 in 17.5 overs (Zac Maron 55, Tyler van Luin 55; Gabe Bell 3-27)