Big Bash League 2024 Strikers won by 6 wickets

2024.12.19

Cameron Bancroft played excellent for his 74 but Sydney Thunder came up just short on an excellent T20 pitch.

The Adelaide Strikers defeated the Sydney Thunder in an exciting six-wicket victory at Adelaide Oval thanks to a masterclass from Matt Short and clutch hitting from Adam Hose in the final moments.

In his debut game as regular captain, Short (82) led the reply brilliantly after Cameron Bancroft (74) had anchored the Thunder’s 200 for 7. With two deliveries remaining, Hose secured victory with a massive six.

Before the captain’s departure, the scoring rate slowed. Short, who hit six sixes in his 41-ball innings, and his namesake D’Arcy Short (66) put up 139 for the opening wicket and had the hosts in control.

With the asking rate rising to 35 needed from the final three overs, Chris Lynn was surprisingly reserved.

The strikers capitalized on the momentum and lost Lynn to a yorker from Zaman Khan. Jake Weatherald was then out in a clumsy way, having been caught off guard by Zaman’s straight hit as he dallied towards the non-striker’s end.

Despite Weatherald’s humiliation, Hose (28 not out off nine balls) did not lose his composure. In the 19th over, he struck three boundaries off Nathan McAndrew, and in the 20th, he went 4-2-6 against Zaman.

Prior to this, Bancroft persisted in staking out higher positions, converting his excellent red-ball style to the shortest format and providing Thunder with a solid foundation.

After a wild powerplay that saw Matt Gilkes leave first ball, English opener Alex Hales was bowled by Matt Short while trying his fourth consecutive boundary.

Third Notification Following an interesting 82-run partnership for the fourth wicket between Bancroft and Alex Ross (46), Ollie Davies was caught brilliantly by Matt Short.

In his short inning, Daniel Sams seemed to injure his right hip flexor when sliding for a run, but he was still able to bowl, apparently pain-free.

In his BBL debut, Jamie Overton, a big Englishman, made an impression by taking 2 for 29 and dismissing McAndrew in the 20th over with a brilliant outfield catch.

@charith