The Hobart Hurricanes' BBL season is over with star international batsman Kumar Sangakkara left on the sidelines to witness the franchise's latest demise.
More than 18 months after boasting a signing coup by recruiting the former Sri Lanka Test skipper and World T20 title winner, Hurricanes again left Sangakkara out of their XI for Saturday's four-wicket trouncing at the hands of Perth Scorchers.
At Bellerive Oval the home side scratched together a miserly 6-134 which was hunted down by their opponents with more than six overs to spare.
"We had high expectations we could get the job done ... but just didn't play well enough ... and we were completely outplayed," captain Tim Paine said.
"The top-order didn't get it done."
Hobart needed to win by 30 runs or more for a chance to move into the semi-finals but instead finish second-last on the ladder with three wins and five losses for the season.
While the purple army is left to lick its wounds, Sangakkara's two-year contract is up without the 39-year-old having made an appearance for the past three fixtures due to a slump in form.
But Paine insists Sangakkara's experience in the squad was invaluable.
"He was left out and it was a hard thing to do but I think Ben McDermott coming in and showing the talent he's got was the right thing to do," Paine said.
"Kumar took it like an absolute professional and has been even better around the group since then.
"I don't think we would have seen the improvement in Ben McDermott, Jon Wells and Beau Webster without someone like Kumar around. He's been amazing."
Sangakkara has signed with the Galaxy Gladiators Lantau for the Hong Kong T20 Blitz from March 8 to 12.
Paine said there have been some positives from the BBL season, including the effort of spinner Clive Rose.
On Saturday the 27-year-old finished unbeaten with the bat on 29, his highest T20 score, and took 1-28 from his four overs.
"There have been some positives to come out of the tournament but we've just been found wanting in the same areas, with the ball and in the field a little bit and then tonight our batters really let us down."
