Kolkata : From being die heart fan of your favorite team, cheering for them from stands to winning maiden title for them, it’s a fairy tale. And such is the story of 23 years old Mitchell Owen.
Owen, one of the Australian young prodigy, single handedly guided Hobart Hurricanes to Big Bash League 2024-25 maiden title win, by scoring fastest century in the League’s history in 39 Balls against Sydney Thunder. His knock of 108(42) included 11 sixes and 6 boundaries, that helped Hobart to chase down 185 runs in just 14.1 overs. This knock might open a new chapter in Owen’s life.
Mitchell James Owen, born on September 16, 2001, is a promising Australian cricketer known for his all-round abilities. He bats right-handed and bowls right-arm medium pace. Owen was born at Kingston, a place near Hobart.
He, from childhood days, was die heart fan of Hobart Hurricanes, and 13 years old Owen was even spotted cheering for the men in purple in 2015 from the stands, wearing Hobart Hurricanes jersey.
“So surreal,” Owen told Fox Cricket. “To be here and hear them chanting my name, it hasn’t quite sunk in, but it’s amazing and I’m so grateful for it”, Owen said after winning BBL title.
“All I wanted to do was lift that trophy. I was actually disappointed to get out, I wanted to be able to hit the winning runs and get us home a little bit easier, so I didn’t have to sit there a bit nervous, but it’s super special, it’s a childhood dream and I’m so grateful.”
Owen always had the dream of representing and winning title for Hobart in BBL, and 2020-21 BBL season proved to be dream come true moment for him as he made his debut for Hobart. He used to Bat in middle order and bowled medium pace, didn’t get much recognition in this season.
The 23-year-old’s domestic career includes representing Tasmania in both List A and first-class cricket. He made his List A debut on February 22, 2021, in the Marsh One-Day Cup, and his first-class debut on October 3, 2023, against South Australia in the Sheffield Shield.
Owen’s cricket journey began to flourish when he earned his first state contract with Tasmania in 2020. This opportunity came after outstanding performance in the 2019-20 Under-19 National Championships, where he scored 415 runs at an average of 60.
Mitchell Owen was spotted at a young age for his cricketing talent and was part of Tasmania’s second XI, which helped him hone his skills before stepping up to higher levels of cricket.
Initially, he started his career as an off spinner but later took up Medium Pace Bowling and also groomed his Batting skills, a move that transitioned his Batting.
The 2024-25 BBL is his breakthrough season, as he was promoted to the opening slot, and from there, it was no looking back. On December 21, 2024, he recorded remarkable 101(64) against Perth Scorchers, thumping his maiden ton and marking his recognition. Later, he showed his heroics in finals. He ended the season with 452 runs in 11 Matches.
Owen, uncapped, also registered his name for IPL 2025 auctions, but didn’t make it to the shortlisted players. However, after this season BBL, an IPL contract or International call up might not be far from him.
