Paine was named Man of the Match for his dazzling innings of 87 not out

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Hobart Hurricanes captain Tim Paine led by example as he smashed an unbeaten 87 to lead his side to a comfortable 20-run win over the Brisbane Heat.

Paine would have been pleased with his decision to bat first even though Ben Dunk was dismissed early as he and Kumar Sangakkara made up for the early loss of Dunk with a 77-run partnership before Sangakkara was caught by Lendl Simmons at fine leg off the bowling of Ben Cutting for 43.

Paine and George Bailey kept the runs flowing with a 60-run stand, during which Paine brought up his half-century, before Bailey was caught by Simmons at long-on off the bowling of Andrew Fekete for 40.

Paine ended up making 87 off 58 balls, which included six boundaries and four sixes, as the Hurricanes finished on 184/3 off their 20 overs.

Cutting and Fekete picked up one wicket apiece.

Chasing 185 to win, Jason Floros and Nathan Reardon were the only two batsmen to make major contributions for the Heat as the former scored 42 off 23 balls, which included three boundaries and three sixes, while the latter struck 41 off 32 deliveries, which included four boundaries and a six.

With none of the other batsmen having much of an impact, the Heat fell short of their target as they finished on 164/8 off their 20 overs.

Sam Rainbird was the most successful bowler with three wickets, while Daniel Christian snapped up two and Shaun Tait, Clive Rose and Cameron Boyce claimed one wicket each.

Paine was named Man of the Match.