Match 17, Adelaide, December 31, 2019, 01:40 PM
Sydney Thunder
168/5(20ov)
Adelaide Strikers
165/9(20ov)
Sydney Thunder beat Adelaide Strikers by 3 runs
Best Batsmen
R
B
4S
6S
SR
Best Bowler
O
R
W
Econ
Man of the Match
Callum Ferguson
Commentry
Callum Ferguson is the MAN OF THE MATCH. He starts by saying that there were a bit of nerves in the end but he is happy that they came out on top after all the drama. Adds that it feels nice to contribute for the team and he is glad to be be a part of such an amazing batting order. Goes onto say it was an above par score and the bowlers did well to defend it.
Sydney Thunders were good, picking up regular wickets and keeping it tight right through till the 17th over. Nair, Morris and Sams picked up two wickets each. Sams went for 17 runs in his last over where he was carted away by Rashid but bowled well in the three overs before his last over. The spinners, Arjun Nair and Chris Green were miserly but Jonathan Cook was expensive in his two overs that he bowled. In the end, Morris managed to defend 14 off the last over with the help of the run out of Rashid.
Adelaide Strikers did not start off well at all in their run chase. They lost the top three for just 36 runs on the board, including the wicket of the big man, Alex Carey and from there it was always a catch up game for them. Jake Weatherald and Jonathan Wells tried to steady the ship with a 63-run stand but Wells fell against the run of play to put the Thunder back in the game. They were on the verge of losing the game by a big margin when Rashid entered the fray when around 50 runs were required in the last five overs. Then what followed was mayhem, Khan stroked 40 off just 18 balls to get them closer to the line but Morris kept his nerve at the last moment to win the game for the Thunder.
Phew! What a thriller to end the year! Nerves. Goosebumps. Increased heart rate. We have survived everything. Rashid Khan! What a package! Was at his all-round best in the last match and today in spite of flopping with the ball, the Afghan star stepped up and nearly produced a miraculous win for Adelaide Strikers.
19.6
W
OUT! RUN OUT! A dot it is and Thunder manage to win this one. They almost succumbed to the counter from Rashid. A yorker outside off, Agar moves towards the off side and looks to paddle it but misses out. The batters think to sneak a bye but Gilkes throws it to the bowler. Morris instead of throwing the ball onto the stumps runs and takes the bails off. Sydney Thunder win by 3 runs.
Wes Agar comes in to face the last ball. He needs to hit a boundary off the last ball to win the game for his side. Can he be the hero for his side?
19.5
W
OUT! RUN OUT! Rashid goes and the chance of winning the game for Strikers takes a massive dive. A low full toss on middle, Khan flicks it towards deep square leg. He needs to return for the second to take strike on the final ball. He drops his bat while completing the first run. Nair from deep gets to the ball quickly and throws it to the keeper. Gilkes whips the bails off and Rashid is short. He almost pulled it off for the Strikers.
19.4
4
FOUR! Another boundary! What a gem of an innings this one has been from Rashid. A full ball outside off, this time Rashid moves away to the leg side and carves it over point for a boundary.
19.3
4
FOUR! Smart batting! Rashid Khan you little beauty! A low full toss on middle, Rashid moves to the off side and paddles it past the short fine leg fielder. What a player. 9 off 3. Are we heading for a Super over?
19.2
.
Brilliant yorker! Rashid can only dig it out. Says no for the single.
19.1
1
Rashid back on strike and the crowd loves it. A full ball outside off, Siddle drills it to mid off for a run.
In over# 1
4
6
4
1b
1
1
Daniel Sams 32/2(4)
18.6
4
FOUR! 17 from the over and Strikers are right back in the game. What a shot that Sams cannot believe it. A full ball on off, Rashid sits down and sweeps it to deep square leg. It beats the deep mid-wicket fielder and goes to the fence. 14 needed in the final over.
18.5
6
SIX! Massive! Can Rashid win the game for the Strikers here? Well, if he can smash a couple of these more, he surely will can. A full toss from Sams, probably the attempt of bowling a yorker gone wrong. Rashid does not need a second invitation as he deposits it over mid-wicket for a massive six.
18.4
4
FOUR! Guided it nicely! A full ball outside off, Rashid does well to move away and then guide it past the short third man fielder. No one in the deep and it races to the third man fence.
18.3
1b
Swing and a miss as Sams bowls a fuller ball outside off, Siddle looks to swing at it but misses. Rashid sneaks a bye though.
18.2
1
In the air but safe. A slower bouncer around off, Rashid looks to pull but he is early in the shot. It takes the inner half of the bat and goes towards square leg. Just a single.
18.1
1
Full and on middle, Siddle can only get a single as it goes straight to mid off.
Daniel Sams is back to bowl the penultimate over. He has picked up 2 wickets and given just 16 runs.
In over# 1
1
0
1
6
0
0
Chris Morris 27/2(3)
17.6
1
Shortish ball around off and middle, Siddle once again backs away and pulls it towards long on for a run. 31 more needed in two overs.
17.5
.
Another dot. Brilliant from Morris this. Slower and fuller around off, Siddle backs away to drive but fails to make any connection.
17.4
1
Fuller and outside off, Rashid squeezes it out towards point for a single.
17.3
6
SIX! This time Rashid makes the connection and gets six. A short ball around middle, Rashid gets into position and slams it over deep mid-wicket for half a dozen. Need a few more of these from Rashid.
17.2
.
Full and on the pads again, Rashid looks to paddle/flick but misses out once again. The ball hits him flush on the pads as Morris appeals. Not out says the umpire.
17.1
.
Full and outside off, Rashid backs away and looks to drive but misses out. Dots are gold dust at this moment.
In over# 1
0
1
6
1
1
1wd
1nb
1lb
Chris Green 27/0(4)
16.6
.
Loopy delivery on off, Siddle moves towards the off side and looks to flick it but gets hit on the pads. An appeal is made but the umpire shakes his head. Siddle wants the single but Rashid wants to keep strike for the next over.
16.5
1
Fullish outside off, Khan drives it to cover and picks up a single.
16.4
6
SIX! The Strikers need many more of these! Loopy delivery on middle, Rashid bends on his knees and slog sweeps it over the deep square leg region for a biggie. Outrageous!
16.3
1
Driven towards the mid off region. The batsmen have run through for a single.
16.2
1
Cannot make use of the Free Hit! Low full toss on middle, Rashid plays the sweep shot towards the deep mid-wicket region for a single.
16.2
1wd
WIDE! The Free Hit will continue as Green bowls this one way outside off. Rashid lets it go to the keeper.
16.2
1nb
NO BALL! Flatter delivery way outside off, Rashid lets it go. Green has overstepped and it will be a no ball. Chris is not happy and is signaling to the umpire. This is his first no ball in his BBL career. A Free Hit will follow.
16.1
1lb
Green starts with a flighted delivery on off, Siddle looks to play the reverse sweep but gets hit on the pads. The Thunder players appeal but nothing from the umpire. The batters steal a leg bye.
Chris Green is back.
In over# 1
0
0W
1
1
0W
1
Arjun Nair 19/2(3)
15.6
.
Around off, it is defended. Top over by Nair, only 3 runs and a couple of wickets in it. 51 needed in 4 overs.
Peter Siddle replaces Cameron White.
15.5
W
OUT! Caught! Two in the over and the wickets are tumbling here. Another flighted ball which spun just away after pitching. White looks to slam it to the leg side but ends up getting a top edge. It goes towards deep point where Daniel Sams pouches it easily. Another flop show by Bear!
15.4
1
Shortish around off, pushed to point for a single.
15.3
1
Fires it full and outside off, White looks to drive but gets an outside edge. It goes to the keeper really fast who cannot hold on. A single as it rolls towards short third man. Technically a dropped catch.
Rashid Khan is the new man in. He was very poor with the ball. Can he make amends with the bat?
15.2
W
OUT! Caught! Valente is gone and the run chase is becoming a tough one for the hosts. Tossed up delivery outside off from Nair, Valente looks to go down town but ends up slicing it high in the air off the leading edge. Ferguson at covers settles under the ball and takes it easily. 56 needed in 28 balls.
15.1
1
Fuller ball around off, White sweeps it to deep backward square leg for a single.
Arjun Nair back on. His 2 overs have cost 16 runs so far.
In over# 1
1
1
4
0
1wd
1
0
Nathan McAndrew 21/0(3)
14.6
1
Fuller ball on off, White drills it to mid off for a single. 54 needed off the final 5.
14.5
1
On the pads, Valente works it towards deep square leg for a single.
14.4
4
FOUR! Over mid on! A slower one on middle from McAndrew. Valente lofts this one over Green at mid on. Green gives it a chase but comes second as the ball reaches the fence.
14.3
.
Fuller ball on off, Valente drills his drive straight to the cover fielder.
14.3
1wd
WIDE! Bouncer down the leg side. Called a wide by the umpire.
14.2
1
Shortish ball on middle, White works it behind square for a single.
14.1
.
Fuller ball around off, White pushes it to mid on.
Nathan McAndrew returns. 2-0-13-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0W
6
1nb
0
Daniel Sams 16/2(3)
13.6
.
Slower good length ball around off, Valente pushes it towards point and takes a quick single as Usman fumbles there. 8 and a massive wicket of Weatherald from the over. 62 more needed in 36 balls.
13.5
.
Short ball on middle, Valente ducks under it.
13.4
1
Short ball on middle, White pulls it to deep square leg for a single.
Cameron Valente is the new man in.
13.3
W
OUT! Caught! Six and gone. Sams gets the revenge. A good length ball around off, Weatherald looks to slam it over long on but ends up miscuing it towards that fielder. Nair comes forward and pouches it easily. This can be a massive wicket in the context of the game. 63 needed more off 39 balls.
13.2
6
SIX! Free Hit has been dispatched. Weatherald gets to his fifty with a brilliant flick shot. A fuller ball around middle, Weatherald clears his front leg and flicks it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a maximum. 9th half ton for him in BBL. His presence in the middle is critical for Adelaide Strikers.
13.2
1nb
NO BALL! It's a brilliant yorker from Sams as Weatherald looks to flick but misses. DS has overstepped. Free Hit time.
13.1
.
Good length ball on off and middle, Weatherald looks to tuck it towards the leg side but gets an inside edge onto the pads. It rolls towards the keeper after going closely past the off pole.
Tactical Time-Out has been taken! The last wicket of Jonathan Wells has tilted the game back in favour of the Thunder. Jonathan Wells and Jake Weatherald had just started to accelerate and now the Strikers will depend on Jake Weatherald to get them over the line. Can they chase this down? Daniel Sams has returned into the attack after a quick break.
In over# 1
0
0W
0
6
1lb
1
Chris Morris 19/2(2)
12.6
.
Fuller ball on off, it is defended towards point. 8 runs but a big wicket in the over.
Cameron White replaces Jonathan Wells out in the middle.
12.5
W
OUT! Caught! Wells picks out the sweeper cover fielder this time. A fuller ball outside off, Wells looks to slam it over cover but does not get the elevation and distance on it. It goes straight to Ross in the deep who swallows it down easily. Another good stand is broken by Morris and this will hurt the Strikers big time.
12.4
.
Fuller ball on the stumps, pushed back to the bowler. Morris picks the ball and fires a throw at the striker's end but misses. Wells though never went out of the crease.
12.3
6
SIX! Go, fetch that! Huge! Short and around off from Morris, Wells goes on the back foot and hammers it over deep square leg for a biggie.
12.2
1lb
Good length ball around middle, Weatherald looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. The ball goes to square leg and they take a leg bye.
12.1
1
Had the fielder hit, Weatherald would've been out of here. A fuller ball outside off, Wells pushes it towards point and takes off for a single. The fielder there fires the throw at the striker's end but misses. Weatherald was nowhere in the picture.
Chris Morris is back on. His first over cost 12 runs but he also picked up the important wicket of Alex Carey.
In over# 1
1
1
1
2
1
0
Nathan McAndrew 13/0(2)
11.6
1
Fuller and on the pads of Well, he tucks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
11.5
1
Full and outside off, Weatherald pushes it through mid off for a single.
11.4
1
On the pads, tucked towards mid-wicket for a single.
11.3
2
Another attempted yorker gone wrong as it is another full toss on middle, Wells works it towards long on. It is not going towards the fielder so they go for the second. The fielder there throws the ball to the bowler who takes the bails off but Weatherald dives to get back in. The third umpire has been called on for the confirmation and he thinks Weatherald is home in time.
Run out appeal taken upstairs. Weatherald makes a dive and saves himself or has he? The bat is in the air? Well, he is safe, says the third umpire.
11.2
1
Goes for the yorker again but ends up dishing out a full toss on middle, it is flicked to deep mid-wicket for a single.
11.1
.
Full ball just outside off, Weatherald looks to squeeze it out but misses.
Nathan McAndrew is back on. His first over cost just 7 runs.
In over# 1
1
1
1
4
1
0
Arjun Nair 16/0(2)
10.6
1
Fires this outside off on a fuller length, Weatherald drills it to long on for a single.
10.5
1
Tossed up ball around off, a single for Wells to long off.
10.4
1
Fuller and around off, this time Weatherald eases a single through mid off.
10.3
4
FOUR! Slammed through mid off. Weatherald on the move now! A fullish ball outside off, he backs away and crunches it through mid off. No chance for the long off fielder.
10.2
1
Short and outside off, Wells this time mistimes his pull to long on for a single.
10.1
.
Nair starts the over with a shortish ball around off, Wells pushes it to point off the back foot.
Arjun Nair is back on. 1-0-8-0 so far from him.
In over# 1
6
6
1
1
0
6
Jonathan Cook 26/1(2)
9.6
6
SIX! Weatherald is turning it on now. Another poor delivery from Cook. The fireworks are not only going on outside the stadium but also inside it. Short of a length delivery on middle, Jake Weatherald hammers the pull over the deep mid-wicket region for another biggie. 20 runs have come from the over. Adelaide needed it as the required run rate was creeping up. It's still 9.2 at the moment.
9.5
6
SIX! Pulled away! Short delivery on middle, Weatherald pulls it to deep mid-wicket where it lands flush on the ropes for a biggie. Morris from deep mid-wicket coming across signals it as a six to the umpire.
9.4
1
Loopy delivery on middle, Wells dances down the track and pushes it down to long on for a single.
9.3
1
On middle, Weatherald plays it to long on for a single.
9.2
.
Flatter delivery outside off, Jake punches it to point for nothing.
9.1
6
SIX! HAMMERED! A poor ball but still had to be put away. A rank long-hop on middle, Weatherald stands tall and pulls it over the deep mid-wicket region for a biggie. Need more of these, the Strikers.
Jonathan Cook is back for his second over. 1-0-6-1 are his numbers so far.
In over# 1
1
1
0
1
0
1
Daniel Sams 8/1(2)
8.6
1
Very full delivery on middle, Jake flicks it towards mid-wicket for a run. Another good over comes to an end for the Thunder.
8.5
1
On middle and leg, Wells pushes it to mid off and takes a single.
8.4
.
Fullish on off, Wells drives it to cover for nothing.
Fireworks going off all around the stadium. Not sure why? There is still some time left for the new year to arrive. Dress rehearsal, eh?
8.3
1
Length delivery outside off, Jake punches it to the off side and crosses over for a single.
8.2
.
Full delivery outside off, Weatherald pushes it to cover.
8.1
1
Full delivery on middle and leg, Wells works it to deep mid-wicket and takes a run.
Daniel Sams returns now. 1-0-4-1 so far from him.
In over# 1
2
1
1
1
1
1
Chris Green 16/0(3)
7.6
2
Full delivery outside off, Weatherald drives it through covers. Ross comes across, slides and makes a good diving stop. Cannot stop the batters from taking a couple.
7.5
1
Flatter delivery on middle, Jonathan whips it to the leg side for a single.
7.4
1
Loopy delivery on middle, Jake plays it uppishly to long on for a single. It goes on one bounce to the fielder. 50 up for the Strikers. Still need 119 runs for a win!
7.3
1
Flatter delivery on middle, Ross plays the reverse sweep to deep cover. A single taken.
7.2
1
Full toss on the pads, Weatherald works it to deep mid-wicket and crosses over for a run.
7.1
1
Flatter delivery on middle, Wells works it to deep mid-wicket and picks up a single.
Chris Green is back on. 2-0-9-0 are his numbers so far.
In over# 1
1
4
0
1
1
1
Arjun Nair 8/0(1)
6.6
1
Short and outside off, Wells slaps it through covers for a run. 8 from Nair's first.
6.5
4
FOUR! Timed superbly! A shortish ball just outside off, Wells goes back and times it through point. The ball races to the fence in a jiffy.
6.4
.
Too close to cut this one. Shortish around off, Wells looks to cut but misses.
6.3
1
Flatter ball around off, Weatherald lofts it over mid off for a single. The long off fielder collects it on the bounce.
6.2
1
Flatter ball on middle, Wells tucks it towards mid on for a quick run.
6.1
1
Full and on middle, Weatherald pushes it for a single through mid on.
Arjun Nair is into the attack now.
In over# 1
1
1
0W
0
4
6
Chris Morris 12/1(1)
5.6
1
On a length on off, Jake guides it to point and takes a single. The fielder has a shy at the stumps but misses. Excellent Powerplay for the Thunder. Gave away only 38 runs and also picked up three crucial wickets.
5.5
1
Good length ball on off, Wells defends it to point and gets off the mark with a single.
Jonathan Wells walks out in the middle. Only been dismissed once in this tournament.
5.4
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Is that the end of the game for the Strikers? Carey has been in brilliant form this BBL and has a rare failure this time. Morris goes for a back of a length ball on middle, Carey makes room by moving towards the leg side to cut but gets a faint outside edge to the keeper. He pouches it safely and starts celebrating. Carey though is waiting for the umpire's decision and after some thought, the umpire raises his finger to give him the marching order.
5.3
.
Full toss on middle, Carey drives it back to the bowler.
5.2
4
FOUR! Carey is going after Morris here! Chris bowls another short one on off, Carey rocks back and pulls it over mid on and the ball seems to have touched the ropes on the full. The umpires go upstairs to check whether it is a six or a four. The replays roll in and after a long check, the third umpire decides that is a four. Looked like a six to the naked eye.
5.1
6
SIX! Hammered! Thrashed! Adelaide Strikers need more of these. That gets the crowd going! Morris starts with a short delivery on middle, Carey pulls it with disdain over the deep mid-wicket region for half a dozen.
Chris Morris into the attack now.
In over# 1
0
4
1
1
0
1
Nathan McAndrew 7/0(1)
4.6
.
On middle, defended out by Weatherald.
4.5
4
UPPISH BUT FOUR! Full delivery outside off, Jake leans forward and drives it uppishly through the covers for a boundary. It goes wide of the mid off fielder and into the fence. The fielder chases after it but fails to stop the ball going to the fence.
4.4
1
Fullish delivery on off, Jake guides it to short third man and crosses over for a run.
4.3
1
Length delivery on middle, Jake pushes it to point and takes a single.
4.2
.
On a length on middle, Weatherald defends it to cover off the back foot.
4.1
1
Good length delivery outside off, Alex pushes it to cover and takes a single.
Nathan McAndrew is into the attack.
In over# 1
0
1
0
4
2
1
Chris Green 9/0(2)
3.6
.
Tossed up on middle, Weatherald works it to the leg side. 8 from Green's second over.
3.5
1
Fuller and around middle, it is worked to mid-wicket for a run.
3.4
.
Short and around off, cut to the point fielder this time.
3.3
4
FOUR! Cut away nicely! Short and outside off, Carey goes back and cuts it between the gap at short third man and point. The ball races to the third man fence quickly. First boundary for the skipper.
3.2
2
Shout of catch it but it goes just over! Green goes full and outside off, Carey reaches out and looks to slam it over covers but gets a top edge which goes over the short third man and point fielders. A couple of runs.
3.1
1
Green bowls it full and on the pads, Weatherald tucks it to deep square leg for a single.
Chris Green is back for his second over.
In over# 1
0
0W
1
1
0
4
Jonathan Cook 6/1(1)
2.6
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Carey defends it back to the bowler.
Skipper Alex Carey walks in next.
2.5
W
OUT! CAUGHT! A rank long hop but it fetches Cook a wicket. Short will feel disgusted with himself as it should have been put away with ease. That is an excellent catch as well. Short of a length delivery on middle, Short camps back and pulls it. He does not time it well and it goes straight to Daniel Sams at deep mid-wicket. He balances himself well and takes a good catch near the boundary line. All is done, the batsman has left the field, Carey is seen walking in and now the onfield umpire wants to check the legality of the catch. Hmm... The third umpire checks whether it is a clean catch or not. He takes ages to make his decision and after watching numerous replays, it's deemed to be a clean catch. Short is already chilling in the dugout. Had the third umpire taken any longer, it would have been 2020!
2.4
1
On middle and leg, Jake works it to square leg for a single.
2.3
1
Flatter delivery on the pads, Matthew works it to short fine leg for a single.
2.2
.
EDGED! Floated delivery outside off with some turn. Short looks to defend it but gets an outside edge to short third man.
2.1
4
FOUR! Thrashed! Cook starts with a flighted ball outside off, Short lunges forward and creams the drive through covers for a boundary.
Jonathan Cook is into the attack.
In over# 1
1
1
1wd
0W
0
1
0
Daniel Sams 4/1(1)
1.6
1
Short of a length delivery on middle, Short gets off the mark by pulling this to the leg side for a single. End of a successful over for the Thunder.
1.5
1
Good length ball on middle, Jake works it to deep square leg for a single.
1.5
1wd
WIDE! Fullish delivery down the leg side, Jake looks to flick it but misses it.
Matthew Short walks in at no. 3.
1.4
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Salt has to depart early and Thunder have made a terrific start. Did not seem to get going at all. Full delivery on middle and leg, Salt moves to the leg side and then looks to flick but gets a leading edge towards covers. Callum Ferguson settles himself under it and takes a simple catch. Sams may not have had a good time with the bat but has been brilliant with the ball.
1.3
.
Well bowled! Sees the batsman making room for himself, Sams dishes a full delivery outside off. All Salt could do there is see it go back to the keeper.
1.2
1
Good length ball on off, Jake pushes it to cover and takes a single.
1.1
.
Starts with a full delivery on off, Jake defends it to point.
Daniel Sams will bowl from the other end.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
0
Chris Green 1/0(1)
0.6
.
BEATEN! Flatter delivery outside off, Philip looks to cut it off the back foot but misses it altogether. Brilliant start from Green, just a run from the over.
0.5
.
Flighted ball on middle, Salt plays it towards mid on.
0.4
.
On middle, Philip defends it out.
0.3
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Salt works it to the leg side for nothing.
0.2
1
The Strikers are underway. Flat one on off, Weatherald pushes it to mid off and takes off for a single. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. Weatherald dives to make his way in.
0.1
.
Starts with a flatter delivery outside off, Jake pushes it to point where Khawaja collects it on the bounce.
The run chase is all set to get underway. Adelaide Strikers need 169 runs to get their fourth successive win of the season. Jake Weatherald and Philip Salt make their way out to the middle along with the Sydney Thunder's players. Chris Green with the ball first up. Here we go...
Now then, 169 runs to chase. The Strikers' batters are in form. They'd be looking to chase this down and bag another couple of points. Thunder after losing their last game in the super over, would be eager to bag a win here in this game. Will the Striker be able to chase it down or the will Thunder defend this total? We will be back in a while for the run chase.
The Strikers started brilliantly with the ball as Stanlake removed Hales early on. Although they could not get a wicket for sometime after that, they did not allow Khawaja and Ferguson to run away with the game either. Once Khawaja was dismissed, the Thunder bowlers pulled things back nicely and kept the run-rate under check. In the 16th over of the game, Wes Agar put down a simple chance to give Alex Ross a life, a point in the game which can be pivotal as the Thunder's after that upped the scoring ante. Siddle though bowled the final over of the innings where he used all his experience and managed to snatch some momentum back for his team.
Earlier in the game, after opting to bat first, Thunder lost Hales cheaply but Khawaja along with his skipper built a brilliant 73-run stand. Khawaja was the aggressor in the partnership as he got to his 8th BBL half century before getting run out. Skipper Ferguson then took over and scored runs quickly. He smashed Rashid Khan for 16 off 3 balls before getting out and provided the momentum towards the end. However, a top last over meant that they failed to get above the par score at this venue.
A brilliant final over from Siddle means that the Thunder cannot get to 170 which looked quite possible when skipper Ferguson was batting. Just 3 runs and 2 wickets in the final over from the experienced campaigner stopped their charge.
19.6
2
NOT OUT! The Sydney Thunder get two runs in the end. Full delivery on middle, Green whips it to long on and calls his partner for a couple. Philip Salt throws it to the keeper who whips the bails off. The third umpire is referred and the replays show that Green has made his crease but by just. The dive saves him. Two taken. Brilliant last over from Siddle. Gave away only three runs and picked up 2 wickets as well. SYDNEY THUNDER FINISH ON 168/5.
Run out appeal on the last ball of the innings. Has Green made it? He has, with a brilliant dive.
19.5
.
Excellent stuff from Siddle. Full delivery outside off, Green comes down the track and looks to drive it to the off side but misses it. Brilliant last over so far.
Chris Green walks out now.
19.4
W
OUT! LBW! Siddle is bowling an excellent last over here for the Strikers. Sams yet again does not get off the mark this BBL season. Full toss on middle and off, Sams moves towards the off side and looks to flick. It hits him flush on the pads. Siddle appeals and the umpire raises his finger immediately.
19.3
.
BEATEN! Excellent! Yorker outside off, Sams looks to whip it to the leg side but misses it altogether.
Daniel Sams walks out with 4 balls left. Yet to make a run in this season so far. Can he smoke a few of these out of the park?
19.2
W
OUT! BOWLED! Siddle does the trick yet again in the last over. Sees Ross move to the off side, he bowls it on middle and leg. Brilliant from the veteran. It is a fullish ball, Ross shuffles across but fails to flick. The ball goes on to uproot the leg stump.
19.1
1
Full toss outside off, Morris drives it to extra cover and takes a single.
Peter Siddle will bowl the final over.
In over# 1
1
1
0
0W
6
7nb
4
Rashid Khan 44/1(4)
18.6
1
Short delivery on middle, Morris gets off the mark with a single by pulling this to deep mid-wicket. 19 runs and a wicket from Khan's last over. The Afghan had a forgetful evening.
18.5
1
Flatter delivery outside off, Ross moves to the leg side and cuts it to the off side for a single.
18.4
.
BEATEN! Beautifully bowled! Flighted ball outside which spins away, Alex makes room for himself to cut but misses it due to the spin on it.
Chris Morris is the new man in.
18.3
W
OUT! Caught! Ferguson holes out now. Rashid goes fuller and outside off, Ferguson sits down and looks to slog it over deep mid-wicket but he does not get the desired distance on this one. It goes high in the air and Wells there does well to pouch it near the boundary line. Ferguson departs but the skipper has done his job nicely.
18.2
6
SIX! Fetch that! Half a dozen more for Ferguson on the Free Hit. Another short of a length ball around middle, Ferguson once again goes on the back foot and slams it over deep square leg for six more. Rashid is getting some hammering here.
18.2
7nb
NO BALL! SIX! Now, a biggie! Superb batting from the skipper and he is taking Rashid Khan on. The Afghan bowls it short outside off, Ferguson goes on the back foot and sends it sailing over deep mod-wicket for a maximum. A Free Hit next ball.
18.1
4
FOUR! Brilliant placement. A full ball outside off, Ferguson sits down on one knee and sweeps it nicely to find the gap between deep mid-wicket and deep square leg. It goes to the fence on one bounce.
In over# 1
4
2
1
4
1
1
Wes Agar 33/0(3)
17.6
4
FOUR! Lovely batting this from Ross. The Thunder are turning it on at the Adelaide Oval. Full delivery on middle, Ross hammers it straight over the bowler's head and one bounce into the fence. Big over for Sydney. 13 runs have come from it again.
17.5
2
Just short! Rashid makes a valiant effort there. Full delivery outside off, Ross looks to lift it over covers but gets a thick top edge towards deep backward point. Rashid Khan makes a terrific run towards it from the deep but the ball falls just short. Two runs taken.
17.4
1
Low full toss outside off, Callum moves to the off side and guides it to third man for a single.
Usman Khawaja is giving an interview at the sidelines. Says that Ferguson is so confident and he has played well so far. Adds that it is a lightning-quick outfield and the wicket is very good to bat on although it's a bit slower than usual. Goes on to add that their bowling is good with Rashid Khan and Billy Stanlake. Finishes by saying that they will look to get as many runs on the board as they can.
17.3
4
FOUR! Smart batting! With 7 fielders on the off side, Agar bowls it full and wide outside off, Ferguson moves across to the off side and whips this to the deep square leg fence.
17.2
1
Another ball which is fuller and outside off, Ross does well to push it for a single towards cover.
17.1
1
Full and outside off, pushed to mid off for a single.
In over# 1
1
4
1
1wd
4
1
1
Rashid Khan 25/0(3)
16.6
1
The batsman works it down the leg side. They pick up a single. 13 from the over, 17 after the dropped catch in the previous over. Momentum shift?
16.5
4
FOUR! Whipped to the deep fence. A fuller ball around middle, Ferguson whips it to deep square leg fence. He gets to yet another half ton, his 5th in BBL. Receives a big ovation from the crowd.
16.4
1
Fuller and quicker one on middle, Ross goes to sweep but he is too early. An inside edge onto the pad and it goes over the keeper for a single.
16.4
1wd
WIDE! A massive appeal for a caught behind but called a wide. A flatter ball down the leg side, Ross looks to flick but misses.
16.3
4
FOUR! Reverse swept this time. Brilliant shot. A fuller ball outside off, Ross gets into the position and reverse sweeps it past Wes Agar at point for a boundary.
16.2
1
Bowls it full and around off, Ferguson sweeps it to deep backward square leg for a run.
16.1
1
Slower through the air and on middle, Ross works it towards square leg for a single.
Rashid Khan returns. Still searching for a wicket in this game. Can he get one?
In over# 1
4
1
1
1
0
1
Peter Siddle 27/0(3)
15.6
4
FOUR! That's adding insult to injury. Could have gotten a wicket in this over but it ends with a boundary off the last ball. Very full delivery outside off, Ferguson jams it out to the third man fence for a boundary. In the end, 8 runs came off the over.
15.5
1
DROPPED! Wes Agar drops a sitter! Need to catch those at this level. Full delivery outside off, Alex Ross looks to go over extra cover but does not get the elevation on it. It goes straight to Wes Agar who makes a mess of it. He tries to go for it with another attempt but does not get any fingers on it this time.
15.4
1
Good bowling from Siddle. Full on off, Ferguson comes down the track and pushes it to covers for a single.
15.3
1
Low full toss on middle, Alex plays it towards mid off and crosses over for a single.
15.2
.
BEATEN! Back of a length delivery outside off, Ross looks to cut it but fails to get any bat on it.
15.1
1
Full delivery outside off, Ferguson drives it to deep cover and picks up a single.
Peter Siddle into his third over now...
In over# 1
1
0
1
1
2
1
Wes Agar 20/0(2)
14.6
1
On middle, whipped to deep square leg for a single.
14.5
.
Full delivery outside off, Ferguson drives it but finds the extra cover fielder.
14.4
1
Short delivery down the leg side, Alex pulls it towards fine leg. Carey dives to his left and makes a good stop but cannot stop the batters from taking the single.
14.3
1
On middle, pushed through mid on for a single.
14.2
2
Uppish but safe! Full delivery on off, Ferguson moves across the off stump and flicks it uppishly towards deep mid-wicket. Jake Weatherald looks to come across from deep mid-wicket but the ball falls short. A couple taken.
14.1
1
Agar starts with a good length ball on middle, Ross works it to mid-wicket for a single.
Wes Agar returns for his second over. Gave away 14 in the first one.
In over# 1
1
1
0W
1
4
1
Peter Siddle 19/0(2)
13.6
1
Full delivery on middle, Ross works it to the leg side for a single. Successful over!
13.5
1
Low full toss, Ferguson pushes it through mid on for a single.
Alex Ross walks in at no. 4.
13.4
W
OUT! RUN OUT! That's a brilliant piece of work by Peter Siddle. This though is poor running from Khawaja. There was no run on offer. Low full toss outside off, Khawaja drives it to cover-point and takes off for a single. Wes Agar throws it to Siddle who collects it with his back to the stumps and then calmly backhands to flick the bails. Peter knows that Uzzie is short and immediately runs in celebration. The third umpire is referred and the replays show that Khawaja is well out. Siddle loves it and Usman has to go after playing a handy knock. Ricky Ponting (on air) terms it a backhand panther, if I heard it right!
Run out appeal taken upstairs by the umpire. Looks really close. Brilliant from Siddle to receive the throw and without even looking at the stumps, he whips the bails off. Smart work from Agar too. Khawaja is short, confirms the replay.
13.3
1
Full toss on off, Callum pushes it down to mid off and takes off for a single. The fielder rushes forward and throws but Ferguson was well in.
13.2
4
FOUR! Strongly whipped by Ferguson! Full delivery on middle, Callum flicks it towards deep square leg. It goes on the bounce into the fence. Ferguson is now the leading run-scorer in this year's BBL.
13.1
1
Full delivery on middle, Khawaja whips it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Peter Siddle is back on. 1-0-11-0 are his figures so far.
Tactical Time-Out. Khawaja is looking solid out in the middle while skipper Ferguson is doing his job well in rotating the strike. Usman has raked up his half ton and will be aiming to get to the three-figure mark. And, with 7 overs left, it is a possibility but the current pair needs to up the scoring ante. The Strikers will be hoping to break this stand and then look for an opening. Will the Thunder's go all bonkers in the final overs or will we get to see the Strikers' making a comeback?
In over# 1
1
1
4
1
1
1
Cameron Valente 23/0(3)
12.6
1
Fullish outside off, Usman drives it to cover for a single.
12.5
1
Huge shout for LBW! Full delivery on middle and leg, Ferguson looks to flick it but gets an inside edge onto the pads. The ball rolls to the leg side and the batters pick up a single. The bowler goes up for an appeal but it is turned down by the umpire. Clear bat.
12.4
4
FOUR! Poor bowling this from Valente! Full delivery on the pads, Callum whips it away to the backward square leg fence for a boundary.
12.3
1
Low full toss outside off, Khawaja drives it to deep cover for a single.
12.2
1
Very well bowled from Valente! Yorker on off again, Ferguson just about manages to dig it out from the bottom half of his bat. It rolls towards the keeper and they take off for a single. Carey runs ahead, dives and throws it to the stumps. He hits but Khawaja was well in.
12.1
1
Yorker outside off, Khawaja digs it out onto the pitch and takes a quick single.
In over# 1
1
1
1
1
0
0
Billy Stanlake 27/1(4)
11.6
1
Full on off, Khawaja makes room and guides it to third man for a single. Stanlake finises with figures of 4-0-27-1.
11.5
1
Back of a length ball outside off, Ferguson punches it to deep cover and crosses over for another single.
11.4
1
Fullish delivery on middle, Usman works it to deep square leg for another run.
11.3
1
Good length ball on middle, Callum works it to deep mid-wicket and picks up a single.
11.2
.
BEATEN! Short of a length ball outside off, Ferguson looks to play the cut shot again but fails to get any bat on it.
11.1
.
BEATEN! Nicely bowled and some good pace from Billy Stanlake! Short of a length outside off, Ferguson looks to cut it but the ball whizzes past his bat and goes into the keeper's gloves.
Billy Stanlake to bowl out. 3-0-23-1 are his numbers so far. Can he finish off well?
In over# 1
1
1wd
1
2
0
2
1
Cameron Valente 14/0(2)
10.6
1
Full toss on middle, Ferguson misses out on this and flicks it to deep square leg for only a single.
10.6
1wd
WIDE! Full delivery down the leg side, Ferguson looks to flick it but misses to get anything on it.
10.5
1
A short delivery which has been pulled away. One run added to the total.
10.4
2
Low full toss outside off, Usman creams it through covers and picks up a couple. The fielder at deep cover throws it towards the bowler but the batter was in.
10.3
.
Nicely bowled! Very full delivery outside off, Khawaja looks to dig it out but misses to get any bat on it.
10.2
2
Short of a length ball on off, Khawaja moves to the off side and pulls it towards mid-wicket. Stanlake tries to come across but the ball passes through towards deep mid-wicket. The fielder comes across and cleans it up. Two taken.
10.1
1
Full delivery on middle, Callum plays this uppishly to long on for a single. The fielder there collects it on the bounce.
In over# 1
1
0
1
1
1
1
Rashid Khan 12/0(2)
9.6
1
Quicker and shorter again, Ferguson this time works it towards long on for a single. Another tight over from Rashid. Just 5 from it. 77/1 at the halfway mark are the Sydney Thunder.
9.5
.
Bowls it shortish and around off, it is blocked off the back foot.
9.4
1
Fires it quick and outside off, Khawaja digs it out through mid off for a single.
9.3
1
Full and on middle, Ferguson works it towards square leg and crosses for a single.
9.2
1
Short and wide from Rashid now. Khawaja cuts it through point for a single.
9.1
1
Khan starts his second over by bowling a low full toss on middle, Ferguson works it to mid-wicket for a run.
Rashid Khan is back on. 1-0-7-0 so far from him.
In over# 1
1
1
2
1
1
0
Cameron Valente 6/0(1)
8.6
1
Full and on the pads, flicked to deep square leg for a single. Striker maintaining a firm grip on the scoring rate.
8.5
1
FIFTY FOR KHAWAJA! His 8th in BBL. Brilliant innings so far. A shortish ball around off, Khawaja pushes it to long off for a single to get to his half ton.
8.4
2
Fuller ball around off, Usman drives it through covers once again but this time wide of the long off fielder, so an easy couple.
8.3
1
On middle, worked towards mid-wicket for a single.
8.2
1
Shortish outside off this time, Usman drives it through cover for a single. The fielder misfields but no extra run.
8.1
.
Valente starts his spell by bowling full and outside off, Khawaja pushes it to cover.
Cameron Valente is into the attack.
Philip Salt is mic'd up. He says that Khawaja has been batting superbly and smartly. Adds that the boundaries here are short. Tells that they are trying to take wickets and go aggressive at the Thunder and hopes that they can get one quickly. Goes on to add that he is not too fussed about bowling first as dew might come into the picture later on. States that he felt good after playing that knock of 54 in the last game and is happy that he could contribute to his side.
In over# 1
2
0
1
1wd
1
1
0
Billy Stanlake 23/1(3)
7.6
2
Poor fielding from the cover fielder! A fuller ball around off, Ferguson this time drives it straight to the cover fielder who lets the ball go through. Salt from mid off chases it down and saves a couple for his side.
7.5
.
Good length ball around off, it is pushed back to the bowler.
7.4
1
Shortish again and around off, Usman taps it towards point and takes a single.
7.4
1wd
WIDE! Stifled appeal for a caught behind from Carey but the umpire signals it as a wide. Short and on middle, Khawaja first looks to sway away but at the last moment looks to upper cut. Misses.
7.3
1
Fuller ball around off, worked to mid-wicket for a single.
7.2
1
Shortish ball on middle, Khawaja works it towards deep square leg for a single.
7.1
.
Good length ball around off, Khawaja looks to run it down to third man for a single but ends up doing so towards the keeper.
Billy Stanlake is back for his third. 2-0-17-1 are his figures.
In over# 1
1
1
1
4
1
0
Matthew Short 11/0(2)
6.6
1
Fires on the pads of Usman this time, he tucks it towards short fine leg and takes a quick single. 8 from the over, Thunder are doing a decent job after a quiet first two overs.
6.5
1
Fuller and around off, this time Ferguson works it towards deep square leg for a single.
6.4
1
Full and on the pads, Usman flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
6.3
4
FOUR! Brilliantly done! A short ball outside off this time from Short. Khawaja hangs back and cuts it superbly to find the gap between short third man and backward point. It races to the fence.
6.2
1
On middle, worked towards the leg side for a single.
6.1
.
Loops this one around off and on a fuller length, Ferguson pushes it towards the bowler who dives and stops the ball.
Matthew Short is back on. He conceded just 3 runs in his first over.
In over# 1
0
2
2
1
1
1
Rashid Khan 7/0(1)
5.6
.
Shortish around off, tapped towards point. 7 from Rashid's first. 52/1 at the end of the Powerplay.
5.5
2
On the pads again, Khawaja works it to the left of deep mid-wicket and picks a couple.
5.4
2
Full and on the pads, Khawaja tucks it towards deep mid-wicket and gets a couple. 50 up for the Thunder.
5.3
1
Floated around middle, Ferguson sweeps it to deep square leg and changes ends.
5.2
1
Quicker one around off, Khawaja works it to deep mid-wicket for a run.
5.1
1
Rashid starts with a flatter ball on middle, Ferguson tucks it towards short fine leg for a single.
In over# 1
2
1
2
4
1
4
Wes Agar 14/0(1)
4.6
2
Fullish on middle, Khawaja works it to deep square leg and collects another couple. The fielder chases after it and cleans it up. 14 from the over, Thunder are stepping up now!
4.5
1
Good length ball on off, Ferguson guides it to third man for a single.
4.4
2
Full delivery on middle, Ferguson flicks it to mid-wicket and picks up a couple. The fielder comes across and cleans it up.
4.3
4
FOUR! Uppish but it has gone for a boundary. Good length ball outside off, Ferguson looks to drive but does so uppishly. Luckily for him, it goes wide of Stanlake at point and into the fence.
4.2
1
Good batting! Back of a length ball on off, Khawaja taps it to the off side for a single.
4.1
4
FOUR! Beautiful shot! Khawaja is looking in good touch here! Agar starts with a half volley outside off, Khawaja leans forward and drives it through covers for a boundary.
In over# 1
0W
1
0
0
4
7nb
1
Billy Stanlake 17/1(2)
3.6
W
OUT! Timber! Stanlake knocks over Hales. A good length ball around off, Hales moves across towards the leg side and looks to loft it over covers but misses maybe due to the excessive pace. The ball goes behind and the off pole is disturbed. Strikers break the opening stand!
3.5
1
Good length ball on middle, Usman works it towards mid on for a single.
3.4
.
Shortish on middle, Usman pushes it towards mid-wicket.
3.3
.
Shortish around off, it is defended.
3.2
4
FOUR! Brilliant batting. Stanlake bowls another short of a length ball. This time it is outside off and Stanlake has rolled his fingers on this one. Khawaja hops and slams it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
3.2
7nb
SIX! Slammed away! A short ball around off for Khawaja from Stanlake. He swivels and pulls, does not connect it well enough but it goes sailing over the deep square leg fence. First maximum of the innings.
3.1
1
Good length ball outside off, Hales tucks it to third man for a run. Doing it with singles at the moment is the Englishman.
In over# 1
1
1
0
4
4
1
Peter Siddle 11/0(1)
2.6
1
Landed around off and middle, Hales eases a single through mid on. 11 from Siddle's first, a good one for Thunder.
2.5
1
Fuller and around off, Khawaja pushes it towards cover and this time a single is taken.
2.4
.
Fuller around off, driven straight to the cover fielder.
2.3
4
FOUR! Cheeky this time! A slightly fuller ball around off, Khawaja moves to his left and paddles it behind the keeper and into the fine leg fence. Brilliant shot.
2.2
4
FOUR! Up and over! A back of a length ball from Siddle, Khawaja goes on the back foot and sends it over the short fine leg fielder. It races to the fine leg fence.
2.1
1
Landed around middle, Hales pushes it to mid on for a run.
Peter Siddle is into the attack after just one over from Matthew Short.
In over# 1
4
0
0
0
0
0
Billy Stanlake 4/0(1)
1.6
4
FOUR! First one for Khawaja and Thunder. A good length ball around off, Khawaja shuffles towards the leg side and strokes it through cover-point for a boundary. Another tidy over for Adelaide Strikers.
1.5
.
Just short. A shortish length ball around middle, Khawaja makes room to cut but finds the point fielder. The ball goes to the fielder on one bounce.
1.4
.
Beaten! Nicely bowled! Just ahead of short of a length and around off, Usman looks to work it down the leg side but fails to put any bat on ball. Beaten for pace.
1.3
.
Back of a length ball on middle, it goes way over Khawaja but not called a wide.
1.2
.
Fuller and around off, this is driven towards cover.
1.1
.
Billy bowls his first ball short and just outside off, Khawaja taps it towards point.
Billy Stanlake will bowl from the other end.
In over# 1
1
1
1
0
0
0
Matthew Short 3/0(1)
0.6
1
Floated on middle, Khawaja works it towards mid on for a single. A very good opening over from Short. Just 3 from it.
0.5
1
Slower through the air on middle, Hales works it towards short fine leg for a single.
0.4
1
On the pads of Khawaja, he tucks it towards short fine leg to get off the mark.
0.3
.
Flatter one outside off, pushed to cover again.
0.2
.
Fires this one fuller and outside off, Khawaja pushes it towards cover.
0.1
.
Short starts with a flighted fuller ball on middle, it is flicked to mid-wicket by Khawaja.
We are all set to begin match no. 17. Usman Khawaja and Alex Hales make their way out to the middle to open the innings for the Thunder. Surprising, Matthew Short will open the proceedings for the Strikers.
Pitch report - It's the same pitch as the last game where the bowlers were taken to the cleaners. Once again it wears a flat look but might slow down a bit and offer some turn as the game progresses. 160-170 can be a reasonable total on this wicket.
Adelaide Strikers (Unchanged Playing XI) - Philip Salt, Jake Weatherald, Matthew Short, Alex Carey (C/WK), Jonathan Wells, Cameron White, Cameron Valente, Rashid Khan, Peter Siddle, Wes Agar, and Billy Stanlake.
Sydney Thunder (Playing XI) - Usman Khawaja, Alex Hales, Callum Ferguson (C), Matthew Gilkes (WK), Alex Ross, Daniel Sams, Chris Morris, Chris Green, Arjun Nair, Nathan McAndrew (IN PLACE OF CHRIS TREMAIN) and Jonathan Cook.
Toss - Sydney Thunder have won the bat flip and they choose to bat first.
New Year's Eve at the Adelaide Oval and it's the clash between two top-class teams! Adelaide Strikers have been invincible so far this season and they meet Sydney Thunder who lost their first game in this term through a Super Over in the last outing. Both sides have performed brilliantly and would be looking to end the year on a high. Hello and welcome everyone for the coverage and stay with us for more updates...
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