It was a fine innings from the 28-year-old opener, but the prevailing impression was that he was unlucky to miss out on a second T20 century.

That’s largely because his 57-ball 96 didn’t count four runs that were incorrectly called leg byes. That boundary in the 18th over would have got him to three figures.

For his part, Short wasn’t too bothered about missing out on a century. “It was the umpire's decision (the four leg byes),” he said after play. “I can't get angry at him for it. But it was good to bounce back after a loss and get another convincing win.”

On the whole, it was a good day for Short. It was his fourth half-century in seven BBL matches so far – it meant he was named Player of the Match for the fourth time this season.

It also made Short the only player in the history of the BBL to have four scores in the 90s. His four sixes in the knock also took him to a half-century of sixes in the tournament – he became the second fastest to the mark after Chris Gayle.

Short, who was recently dropped from the Australia ODI squad, put on 95 runs with Matthew Wade for the opening wicket as Hobart posted 185/2 after being asked to bat. Melbourne were then bundled out for 126 with Riley Meredith, the paceman, returning 4/21.

Jofra Archer and Johan Botha both claimed two apiece, and Short contributed with the ball as well, returning 1/16 in his two overs.

The 59-run victory meant Hobart opened up a four-point lead at the top of the BBL table, with all of Sydney Thunder, Sydney Sixers, Adelaide Strikers and Melbourne Renegades on eight points.