Defending Big Bash League champions Sydney Sixers have been left to lament a botched run chase in their 16-run loss to the Hobart Hurricanes.
Chasing 179 for victory on Thursday night, the Sixers appeared on track at the halfway mark before a sluggish optional power play and run of wickets saw them fall short.
In the first match played under three new rules, Sydney chose to take their two-over power play from the 12th over but managed just 18 runs from the 24 balls.
James Vince (67 from 41) and Jack Edwards (47 from 39), who had put the Sixers in a strong position at 1-118, fell in the two overs to follow.
"We set the whole run chase up beautifully," batsman Jordan Silk said.
"From that power play onwards, we obviously lost a couple of wickets.
"Having two new batters was always going to make it hard for us to get those runs late. That's where the game was won and lost."
In contrast, the Hurricanes scored 25 runs with the bat in their two-over power play and used it as a springboard to finish with a flurry after a slow start.
"They were able to take some momentum out of it after being in a bit of trouble early," Silk said.
"We actually had two set batters and sort of lost our momentum through that period."
Despite his side not nailing the power play, Silk said he was a fan of the new rule.
"It's an interesting concept. There's certainly some different theories about how to bowl with it and who to bowl with it," he said.
"They (Hobart) were clearly the team that did it best."
Silk nabbed a highlight of his own in the field when he leapt at full stretch over the boundary to save a six.
"I heard it come off the bat and to be honest I thought 'six'. It was nice to be able to drag that one back in."
