Knockout, Adelaide, February 01, 2020, 02:10 PM
Sydney Thunder
151/7(20ov)
Adelaide Strikers
143/9(20ov)
Sydney Thunder beat Adelaide Strikers by 8 runs
Best Batsmen
R
B
4S
6S
SR
Best Bowler
O
R
W
Econ
Man of the Match
Alex Hales
Commentry
That's the end of this game. Sydney Thunder will now face Melbourne Stars to decide who will meet Sydney Sixers in the final. Adelaide Strikers, on the other hand, bow out of this tournament. They had a terrific league stage but could not cross the final hurdle. Join us for the Challenger on 6th February, 2020 which is going to be played Sydney Thunder and Melbourne Stars. Until then, cheers.
For his superb batting performance, Alex Hales is named the Man of the Match. Hales says it is an incredible feeling. Tells that it was a good wicket to bat on but credits his bowlers as they took the game deep and won it for them. Says he was in good touch throughout the tournament but had a few low scores which he feels can happen in a tournament. On the catch going down, Hales says Sams thought he called for it but he did not. Tells Stars have a squad of superstars but also adds they have a good squad to upset them.
Earlier, in the game, Adelaide Strikers did decently well to restrict the team from Sydney to a below-par score of 151. Peter Siddle was the pick of the bowlers with others supporting him well. Only Alex Hales came out with flying colours as he played a terrific innings of 59. Travis Head-led side would have fancied to chase down the target but they faltered at crucial moments to end up on the losing side.
Adelaide Strikers will be utterly disappointed with their performance. They lost the wicket of Philip Salt and Jake Weatherald quickly. Travis Head also departed after getting a start. Then came the partnership between Alex Carey and Jonathan Wells. They were nearing victory when those two were around, but Carey's run out changed the game. They collapsed dramatically and ended up losing the game and bowing out of the tournament.
The bowling was superb by Sydney. Daniel Sams led the way with a brilliant three-fer and he was well supported by Jonathan Cook and Chris Morris. Brendan Doggett and Chris Tremain were disappointing while Arjun Nair bowled only two overs. The full credit has to go to their fielding, they were excellent in the field and that run out from Callum Ferguson was the highlight.
What was the turning point of this game? It surely has to be the run out of Alex Carey by Callum Ferguson. Alex Carey and Jonathan Wells were cruising at one stage and the Strikers required 37 runs from 30 balls. But Ferguson's spirited effort to run Carey out turned the tide and the Thunder eventually held their nerves and they win the game by 8 runs.
What a match we have witnessed! At the end of it all, Sydney Thunder come out as the winners and they will face Melbourne Stars in the Challenger. When Carey and Wells were going strong, it looked like that Sydney will not be able to win this game. But they pulled a rabbit out of the hat and take one step closer to the final.
19.6
1
That is it! Thunder have won it! Full on off, Agar cannot do anything but just stroke it towards long off and take a single. SYDNEY THUNDER WIN BY 8 RUNS!
19.5
.
Swing and miss. Full outside off, it is almost a yorker. Agar swings his bat but misses. Thunder cannot win this unless Morris bowls an illegitimate delivery.
19.4
2
In the air... and that's the game. Oh no! It is not! The ball has fallen right between long on and deep mid-wicket. Full ball on off, Agar looks to heave it on the leg side but mistimes it. The ball goes high in the air. Daniel Sams comes running from deep mid-wicket, Hales comes from long on. It is right between them. They think the other one will go for the catch and both of them do not. The balls falls right between them and the batter takes a couple.
19.3
1
Another very full ball on middle and leg, Stanlake manages to squeezes it through long on for a single. 12 needed off 3 balls.
19.2
.
Superb bowling. Yorker on middle and leg, it is a perfect one. Stanlake does well to dig it out.
Billy Stanlake makes his way out with 13 required from 5 balls.
19.1
W
OUT! Caught behind! That has to be the game for the Thunder and they have one and half foot in the Challenger. Wells departs and also it is dot ball. Cometh the hour, cometh the man and Morris is the man. The South African does not choke under pressure and delivers. Good length ball well outside off, Wells gets close to the ball and goes for the punch. He ends up getting a thick outside edge which goes straight to Lenton.
13 needed off last over. Chris Morris to bowl it. Can he defend 12 or will Wells win it for the Strikers? Do not rule out a Super Over as well.
In over# 1
1
2
0W
1
0W
1
Daniel Sams 26/3(4)
18.6
1
Full on off, Wells pushes it to cover and will keep strike for the next over. 13 required from the last over.
18.5
2
Full delivery outside off, Wells drives it to deep cover and takes a couple before the fielder can come across and clean it up.
Wes Agar walks out to bat.
18.4
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Siddle does not trouble the scorers and Sams is taking his side home. This is brilliant bowling from Sams. Slower delivery on off, Siddle is early into his loft over mid off. It takes the top half of the bat and the ball goes towards mid off. Hales settles himself under it and takes a simple catch. 16 more required form8 balls.
18.3
1
Short ball on middle, Wells pulls it to short fine leg for a single.
The man who was superb with the ball earlier in the evening walks out to bat now. The experienced Peter Siddle is the new man in.
18.2
W
OUT! CAUGHT! More twist in this game! Nair never looked like catching that but holds onto it in the end. Slower delivery on off, Neser moves inside his crease and then looks to heave it away. It takes the top edge and goes towards short fine leg. Arjun Nair stationed there , moves a little as the ball swirls in the air. He tumbles and takes the catch. 18 required from 10 balls.
18.1
1
Slower one on off, Wells pushes it to cover for a single.
Daniel Sams to bowl the 19th over of the game. 18 needed off 12.
In over# 1
1
1
4
1wd
2
4
1wd
1wd
0
1wd
Chris Tremain 40/1(4)
17.6
1
That's the end of a marathon over. It never looked like getting over. Good length ball on off, Wells drives it to deep cover for a single. 16 runs from the over. 18 required from the last two overs.
17.5
1
Well fielded! Short ball way outside off, Neser could have left this ball alone but looks to cut but gets a bottom edge. It goes towards short third man where the fielder makes a good stop. A single taken.
17.4
4
FOUR! Thrashed! Full on middle, Neser stays back in the crease and hammers it towards the deep mid-wicket region for a boundary.
17.4
1wd
ANOTHER WIDE! Tremain is having a poor over. Fourth wide of the over. Fullish ball outside off, Neser moves a little to the off side and then leaves it.
17.3
2
Full delivery on middle, Michael drives it towards long on and takes a couple before the fielder can come across and clean it up.
17.2
4
FOUR! Slapped! Short ball around off, Neser stands tall and punches it through the cover region for a boundary.
17.2
1wd
WIDE! Full delivery way outside off, Neser leaves it alone. Third wide of the over.
17.2
1wd
WIDE! Good length ball outside off, Neser moves to the off side and looks to cut but misses. Wide signaled. Tremain is not happy.
17.1
.
DROPPED SHORT! Length ball outside off, Neser looks to punch but it takes the bottom edge and goes towards the keeper. The keeper dives ahead but the ball falls short.
17.1
1wd
WIDE! Shortish outside off, Neser looks to cut but misses. The umpire signals it a wide.
Chris Tremain to bowl out.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0W
0
1
Chris Morris 18/1(3)
16.6
.
Full delivery outside off, Wells leaves the ball alone.
16.5
1
Length ball on off, Neser defends it to cover for a single.
16.4
.
BEATEN! Good length ball outside off, Neser looks to cut but fails to get any bat on it.
The new man in is Michael Neser. 35 needed off 21, can he help Wells and take his side home?
16.3
W
OUT! LBW! The finger goes up and Sydney Thunder are storming back into this game. That is a short knock from Short. Good length ball on middle, Short looks to flick but misses. He gets hit flush on the pads and the Thunder players appeal. The umpire raises his finger and Short departs. Actually, he had taken off for a single and collided with the bowler. They both fall but Morris is elated as he has picked up a wicket. The replays roll in and they show that it is hitting the top of middle stump. 35 required from 21 balls.
16.2
.
Full on middle, Short works it to mid-wicket for a dot.
16.1
1
Good length ball on middle, Wells flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0W
0
Jonathan Cook 16/2(4)
15.6
.
Flighted on off, Short defends it to get through the over. Another superb day with the ball for Jonathan Cook. He finishes with outstanding figures of 4-0-16-2.
Chris Morris is back into the attack. 2-0-16-0 are his figures so far.
15.5
.
Flighted on off, Short defends it.
15.4
1
On the pads, Wells glances it to the leg side for a single.
15.3
.
Darted down the leg side. Wells looks to flick but misses. Lenton goes up for an appeal for caught behind but the umpire turns it down. He does not wide it, meaning maybe it kissed his pads.
The new man in is Matthew Short.
15.2
W
OUT! Caught! Cook wins the battle of the spinners and Rashid Khan departs without troubling the scorers. Smartly bowling from Cook. He cooks this slower in the air on off, Rashid goes for a big slog sweep but he mistimes it. The ball goes high in the air and Rashid finds substitute, Chris Green to perfection at deep mid-wicket. Thunder are well in this contest now.
15.1
.
Flatter on off, Rashid puts his body behind it and blocks it.
Also, Jonathan Cook comes on to bowl out.
Rashid Khan is the new man in.
In over# 1
0W
1
4
4
1
2
Chris Tremain 24/1(3)
14.6
W
OUT! RUN OUT! Carey is short of his crease and he has to go. Is there a twist in this game? This is brilliant fielding from Callum Ferguson. Back of a length ball on off, Carey punches it to cover and takes off for a single. Ferguson, the skipper, runs ahead, slides and throws the ball. He has only 1 stump to aim at and he does so perfectly. Carey has started to walk already giving an indication. But the umpire wants to refer it upstairs. The replays roll in and they show that Carey was well out of his crease. Out is the signal on the big screen. 37 required from 30 balls.
Run Out appeal taken upstairs. Carey is walking and the Thunder players are celebrating. Looks like they have their man.
14.5
1
Good length ball on off, Wells pushes it to cover for a single. 50-run stand is up between the two. What a partnership this has been for the Strikers. Can they finish it off?
14.4
4
FOUR! Another one. These two are taking the Strikers home. Slower delivery on middle, Wells pulls it in front of square for another boundary.
14.3
4
FOUR! Pulled with disdain! Short ball which did not rise enough. Wells stands tall and pulls it behind square for a boundary. 42 more required from 33 balls.
14.2
1
Short ball outside off, Carey punches it to deep cover for a single.
14.1
2
Full delivery on middle, Carey drives it straight down the ground. The long on fielder comes across and cleans it up but does not stop the batters from taking a couple.
Chris Tremain is back on. 2-0-12-1 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
1
1
1
0
1wd
1
1
Daniel Sams 21/1(3)
13.6
1
Full delivery on off, Carey drives it to mid off and takes off for a single. They make it easily in the end as the fielder at mid off has a shy at the bowler's end.
13.5
1
Low full toss on off, Wells pushes it to mid off. He takes off for a single. The fielder throws it to the keeper but the batter had made his way in.
13.4
1
Short ball on middle, Alex pulls it to deep square leg for a single.
13.3
.
Very full on off, Carey digs it out towards extra cover where Ferguson dives and makes a good stop.
13.3
1wd
WIDE! Sams dishes a bouncer down the leg side, Carey ducks under it. The umpire signals it a wide. 100 up for the Strikers.
13.2
1
Length ball on middle, Wells tucks it to square leg and crosses over for a run.
13.1
1
Good length ball on middle, Carey works it to square leg for a single.
Daniel Sams is in for this third over. 2-0-15-1 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
4
1
1
1
4
0
Chris Morris 16/0(2)
12.6
4
FOUR! Very good end to the over for Wells and Strikers. Outside off and on a length. Wells loves to play the cut shot and this one is there for him to go for it. He does not miss out on the opportunity and slams it through point for a boundary. Expensive over from Morris. Releases some pressure from the Strikers. 11 from it.
12.5
1
Good length ball on off, Carey defends it towards cover for a single.
12.4
1
In the air but safe. Good bouncer from Morris. It is on off and gets heavy o Wells. He mistimes it pull but it falls short of the man at deep mid-wicket for a single.
12.3
1
Fuller on middle, Carey strokes it through mid on for a single.
12.2
4
FOUR! Beautifully struck. Morris is guilty of overpitching it on off. Carey gets on his front foot and stands still. With such great body posture, he creams his drive with ease through cover for a boundary.
12.1
.
Slower ball outside off, Carey swings his bat but misses.
Chris Morris is back on. 5 from his 1 over so far.
In over# 1
1
1
1
1
1
0
5wd
Brendan Doggett 25/0(2)
11.6
1
On the pads, Carey tucks it to the leg side and keeps the strike. 86 needed off 48 now.
11.5
1
Outside off and full, Wells drives it towards point for another single.
11.4
1
Good length ball on off, Carey pushes it to the left of mid off for a single.
11.3
1
Good shot but just a single. Full outside off, Wells hits it hard over cover but there is protection in the deep so just a single.
11.2
1
On the pads, AC turns it to the leg side and rotates the strike.
11.1
.
Fuller on off, Carey pushes it to mid off.
11.1
5wd
FIVE WIDES! Doggett misses his line completely and bowls it down the leg side. Carey looks to flick but misses. Lenton too cannot take it and the ball goes fine down the fine leg fence.
Brendan Doggett is back.
In over# 1
1
1
1
3
1
1
Daniel Sams 15/1(2)
10.6
1
Full delivery on the pads, Carey works it to deep square leg for a single.
10.5
1
On middle, Wells works it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
10.4
1
Good length ball on middle, Carey flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
10.3
3
NOT OUT! Carey has made it in with his dive! It is a clean save as well. Good length ball outside off, Wells punches it through the point region. Jonathan Cook comes across and slides but fumbles a little bit. The batters look for an opportunity to take three and takes off. Cook throws it to the keeper, who whips the bails off. The third umpire is called. He first checks whether it is a clean save or not. Cook is fine on that front. The replays turn to the run out appeal and they show that Carey was in because of his dive.
Run Out appeal taken upstairs. Carey is the man in question. By the body language of Lenton and other Thunder players it looks like Alex is in.
Adelaide Strikers' coach, Jason Gillespie says that there is plenty of time left in the chase and they just need to build a partnership and take it deep. On Jonathan Wells, Gillespie sounds very impressed with him and says that he has batted well this season, works hard in his innings, finds the gaps and we are hoping big from him.
10.2
1
Back of a length ball outside off, Carey punches it to deep cover and crosses over for a single.
10.1
1
Short delivery outside off, Wells pushes it to deep point for a single.
Daniel Sams to bowl the first over after the break.
Tactical Time-Out! 10 overs remain and the Strikers need 84 runs more. They have lost 3 wickets, including the big one of their skipper Head. The dangerous Carey and the man-in-form, Wells out in the middle. The home side will hope that this pair can take them over the line. Thunder, on the other hand, are well on top of this one but cannot rest on it as the job is not half done yet. They will need to keep wickets and let that run rate also go up.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
2
0W
Jonathan Cook 15/1(3)
9.6
1
Full delivery on off, Wells pushes it to cover for a single.
9.5
.
Tossed up ball on middle, Wells prods forward and defends it to the bowler.
9.4
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Wells flicks it to mid-wicket.
9.3
.
Floated ball on middle, Wells defends it out.
9.2
2
Short ball outside off, Wells cuts it to the deep point region for a couple.
Jonathan Wells is the new man in.
9.1
W
OUT! DRAGGED ON! This is a big, big wicket for the Thunder. Head had started to look good and was getting his side back in the game. The visitors will be happy to see his back. Flatter delivery outside off, Head looks to cut but it takes the inside edge and goes onto hit the stumps. Can the Strikers make a comeback from here?
Jonathan Cook is back on. 2-0-12-0, his numbers so far.
In over# 1
1
4
1
1
1
0
Chris Tremain 12/1(2)
8.6
1
Full on the pads, Head flicks it to deep square leg for a single. 87 required from 66 balls.
8.5
4
FOUR! Hammered! Full on off, Head thrashes it past the mid off fielder for a boundary. Head is looking really good out there.
8.4
1
Short ball outside off, Carey looks to guide it to third man but it takes the inside half of the bat. The ball goes to third man and the batters take a single.
8.3
1
Fullish delivery on the pads, Head tucks it to deep mid-wicket for another run.
8.2
1
Length ball on middle, Carey works it to deep square leg for a single.
8.1
.
Full delivery on off, Carey pushes it to extra cover for a dot ball.
Chris Tremain is back on. 1-0-4-1 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
2
1
0
4
2
1
Arjun Nair 14/0(2)
7.6
2
Looped up ball on middle, Head dances down the track and flicks it to mid-wicket for a couple.
7.5
1
Floated ball on off, Carey defends it to cover for a single.
7.4
.
BEATEN! Nice comeback from Nair! Bowls it quicker through the air outside off, Carey looks to cut but misses it completely.
7.3
4
FOUR! Carey loves to play these innovative shots! Nair bowls a floated ball on off, Carey reverse sweeps it to the third man region for a boundary.
7.2
2
Floated ball on the pads, Carey sweeps it to deep square leg and takes a couple before the fielder comes across and cleans it up.
7.1
1
Flatter one on the pads, Head works it to short fine leg for a single.
Arjun Nair is back on. His first over cost 4 runs.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0
4
Chris Morris 5/0(1)
6.6
.
Morris bowls a good length ball on off. Carey blocks it to point. Good start from Morris. Only 5 runs have come from it.
6.5
.
Very full delivery on off, Carey digs it out towards the cover region.
6.4
.
Full delivery on off, Carey pushes it to the cover fielder off the front foot.
6.3
1
EDGY! Good length ball on off, Head looks to defend but the ball takes the bottom edge and rolls towards the keeper. Carey calls Head for the single and they make it easily.
6.2
.
PLAY AND A MISS! Short ball outside off, Head stands back and looks to cut. He misses and the ball goes into the mitts of the keeper.
6.1
4
FOUR! CREAMED! Morris starts with a half volley on off, Head leans forward and drives it through the cover region for a boundary.
Chris Morris is introduced into the attack now and he will bowl the first over after the Powerplay.
In over# 1
1
4
0
1
0
1
Jonathan Cook 12/0(2)
5.6
1
Floated on middle, Head dances down the track and pushes it to long on for a single. 42/2 after the Powerplay.
5.5
4
FOUR! Nicely played! Short ball outside off, Head cuts it through the cover region for a boundary.
5.4
.
Shorter delivery on off, Head defends it solidly defends it off the back foot.
5.3
1
Tossed up on middle, Carey pushes it to the cover fielder and takes a single.
5.2
.
Flights this on off, Carey prods forward and looks to drive but it takes the outside edge and the ball rolls to point.
5.1
1
Floated on middle, Head works it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Cook to bowl the final over of the Powerplay.
In over# 1
0
0
0W
4
0
0
Chris Tremain 4/1(1)
4.6
.
Good length ball on middle, Alex solidly defends it to the cover fielder.
4.5
.
Full delivery on middle, Carey defends it to mid off.
Alex Carey is the new man in.
4.4
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Weatherald falls after hitting a boundary on the previous ball. Sydney Thunder are right in this. Tremain bends his back and digs in a short ball on off, Weatherald looks to pull but it takes the top edge and goes towards mid off. Callum Ferguson comes across from cover and takes the catch. 117 runs required from 92 balls.
4.3
4
FOUR! Belted! Full delivery outside off, Weatherald hammers it through the cover region for a boundary.
4.2
.
Length ball on off, Weatherald defends it to the point fielder for a dot ball.
4.1
.
Tremain starts with a very full delivery on middle, Weatherald pushes it to mid on. He wants the single but decides against it.
Chris Tremain is the 5th bowler to be used. So no bowler so far has bowled two on the trot.
In over# 1
1
4
1
4
1
4
Brendan Doggett 15/0(1)
3.6
1
Short ball on middle, Weatherald pulls it to deep square leg for a single.
3.5
4
EDGY FOUR! Just over the short third man fielder. Good length ball outside off, Weatherald looks to drive but it takes the outside edge and goes over the jumping short third man fielder for a boundary.
3.4
1
Length ball on off, guided to short third man for a single.
3.3
4
FOUR! On the pads, Head loves it there. It flicks through mid-wicket for a boundary.
3.2
1
On the pads, Jake flicks it on the leg side for a single.
3.1
4
FOUR! Almost chopped on! Weatherald rides his luck. Good length ball outside off, Weatherald looks to cut but the ball is close to the body and it takes the inside edge. It misses the stumps and goes fine down the leg side for a boundary.
We are only into the fourth over and we have already seen four bowlers used by the Strikers. Brendan Doggett is into the attack.
In over# 1
1
1
1
0
0
1
Arjun Nair 4/0(1)
2.6
1
On the pads, Weatherald flicks it to the on side and keeps the strike.
2.5
1
In the air but well short. Tossed up on middle and leg, Head comes down the track and looks to go over long on. He does not time it well and the ball falls well in front of the fielder there. Just a single.
2.4
1
On the pads, Jake whips it towards mid-wicket and gets to the other end.
2.3
.
Flighted on off, Weatherald pushes it to cover.
2.2
.
Play and a miss! Short and outside off, Weatherad looks to cut but misses. That was not far away from finding the edge of the bat.
2.1
1
Nair starts with a flighted delivery on the pads, Head glances it to deep square leg for one.
Spin from both ends. Arjun Nair is on now.
In over# 1
1
2
0
0
2
0
Jonathan Cook 5/0(1)
1.6
1
Flatter on middle, Head punches it down to long on for a single.
1.5
2
On middle, Head whips it to deep mid-wicket and takes a couple before the fielder can come across and clean it up.
1.4
.
Looped up ball on middle, Head defends it out to the bowler.
1.3
.
Flatter one on off, Head pushes it to the cover fielder.
1.2
2
Loopy delivery on middle, Head works it down to long on for a couple. Gets off the mark.
1.1
.
Floated ball on off, Head pushes it to to covers.
Skipper, Travis Head is the new man in. Also, Jonathan Cook to bowl from the other end.
In over# 1
0W
4
1
1
0
1
Daniel Sams 7/1(1)
0.6
W
OUT! CAUGHT! What a catch from Alex Hales. This wicket should belong to him. This was not an easy catch but he has made it look easy. Good length ball on middle, Salt looks to flick but it takes the top edge and goes away from mid on. Hales moves to his right and dives to take an excellent catch. He lies down on the ground and the Sydney players are ecstatic. This is an excellent start for Sydney Thunder. They needed early wickets and Sams, who has done this so many times this season, once again delivers the goods.
0.5
4
FOUR! Nicely played! Short ball on middle, Salt pulls it to deep mid-wicket. The fielder comes across and then dives. He fails to cut it off and the ball rolls into the fence.
0.4
1
Shortish in length on off, Weatherald cuts it to point where the fielder makes a half stop. The ball goes to short third man and the batters take a single.
0.3
1
Short ball on middle, Salt pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
0.2
.
Good length ball on off, Salt drives it to mid off for a dot ball.
0.1
1
Strikers are underway immediately. Sams starts with a short ball outside off, Weatherald pushes it to deep cover for a single.
The run chase is all set to get underway. The thunder players make their way out to the middle. They have 151 runs to defend. Will they be able to do it? Philip Salt and Jake Weatherald are also out in the field as the openers. Daniel Sams will start the proceedings with the ball.
So, the target is 152 and Adelaide Strikers have a good in-form batting to scale it down. However, the Thunder won't take any assault lying down. They are equipped with one of the best attacks of this League and would definitely take a shot at defending this total. Remember, the target maybe a bit below-par but the pressure of a Knockout will be there on the batsmen. Do join us in a short while for the chase.
The conditions for bowling was brilliant and the likes of Peter Siddle and Michael Neser took full advantage of it. Rashid Khan once again was in his elements and the outstanding work of the three above-mentioned bowlers was good enough to mask the expensive spells from Billy Stanlake and Wes Agar.
Alex Hales was the only batsman who could come out with some credit in this innings. The Englishman did struggle initially but once he found his rhythm, he showed his skills. Billy Stanlake and Wes Agar were targeted the most but Hales was eventually consumed by Rashid Khan's leg spinner. Post that, there was immense pressure on the Sydney batsmen but they failed to find a way to get away. Chris Morris played a cameo towards the end but he too failed to last the distance.
Top bowling show by the Adelaide Strikers! They turned up for this crucial game with full force and the intent was there to be seen. Travis Head was lucky with the bat flip and under overcast conditions, he made a call to bowl first as the pitch also had a tinge of grass on it. The first over though was very ordinary by Billy Stanlake, the Strikers immediately bounced back through Peter Siddle and Michael Neser to peg the Thunder back. After a sedate Powerplay, Sydney would have thought to recover but they failed to do so against some accurate bowling.
11 runs from the last over and that has pushed Sydney Thunder's total past the 150-run mark. This is that kind of a middling total which will keep both the parties interested.
19.6
2
Full on off and middle, Lenton strokes it wide of long on and gets a couple to finish the innings. SYDNEY THUNDER FINISH WITH 151/7!
19.5
2
Not Out! The bat was inside and the dive has saved Tremain. Fuller on off, Lenton strokes it wide of long off and goes for two straightaway. Tremain responds and charges to the bowler's end for the second. The fielder sends a decent throw at the bowler's end. Chris puts in a dive to save himself as Siddle disturbs the stumps. The umpire takes it upstairs and replays show Tremain's dive is good enough to give Thunder the couple.
An appeal for run has been taken upstairs. Looks like the bat is in the air. Let's see what happens.
19.5
1wd
WIDE! Siddle misses his line and bowls it well wide outside off. It is well over the tramline and it has been wided.
19.4
3
Super effort from Short. Saves a run for his side. Full on off, Tremain paddles it over fine leg. It looks like the ball will go the fence but Short comes running in from fine leg and manages to slide it and save it before the ropes.
Chris Tremain makes his way out to the middle.
19.3
W
OUT! Bowled! Corker of a yorker! Full and straight on middle and off. Sams looks to go over on the leg side but misses the ball completely and the ball goes onto disturb the stumps. Exceptional bowling from Siddle, makes you wonder why he retired and also makes you question his age. This man is a warrior and he has been a star for the Strikers this season.
19.2
2
Full delivery on middle, Sams looks to flick but it takes the inside half of the bat and goes towards deep square leg. The batters take a couple.
19.1
1
Low full toss on off, Lenton drives it to deep cover for a single.
Peter Siddle will bowl the final over.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0W
0
1wd
Wes Agar 43/1(4)
18.6
.
Brilliant from Agar! He was taken apart in his first three but has gone for just 2 runs and has picked up a wicket in his last over and the inning's penultimate one. Wide yorker outside off, Sams looks to jam it out but misses.
18.5
.
Another dot! Wow! This is a serious comeback from Agar. Full outside off, Sams looks to paddle it over fine leg but misses.
18.4
.
Outside off, Sams throws his bat at it but misses. Superb 4 balls so far. Just 2 runs off it till now.
18.3
1
Fuller on middle, Lenton pushes it towards long on for one.
Jay Lenton is the new man in.
18.2
W
OUT! Caught! Morris departs and Agar has something to cheer about. Very good start to his final over. Full and wide outside off, it is not the best of deliveries. It is in the slot for Morris. He tries to go over extra cover but he ends up getting a thick outside edge behind to Carey who takes a simple catch. Thunder unable to make the most of the death overs and are starting to lose their way here.
18.1
.
This time he is able to execute it. Full and wide outside off, Morris once again swings and misses. This time the ball is inside the tramline.
18.1
1wd
WIDE! Just away from the tramline. Outside off, Morris swings his bat but misses. The umpire signals it as wide.
Wes Agar to bowl out. He has had a poor day so far. Can he finish it well?
In over# 1
6
0
1
1
0
1
Rashid Khan 24/1(4)
17.6
6
SIX! Hammered! Floated on middle, Sams thrashes it over the bowler's head for a biggie. 9 runs off Rashid's last. He finishes with figures of 4-0-24-1.
17.5
.
An appeal for LBW turned down! Short ball on middle, Sams looks to pull but fails to get any bat on it. There is an appeal made for LBW but nothing from the umpire. Sams looks to take a run but as he sees the keeper collecting the ball, he turns back and makes it back to the crease.
17.4
1
On middle, Morris pushes it to long on for a single.
17.3
1
Flighted ball on middle, Sams looks to sweep but gets an inside half and the ball goes to the leg side for a single.
17.2
.
Full on off, Sams looks to drive but it takes the outside edge and the ball goes to short third man. No run.
17.1
1
Low full toss on middle, Morris flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
In over# 1
1
1
1
0W
1
0
Peter Siddle 10/1(3)
16.6
1
Another one on the pads, CM flicks it towards mid-wicket and keeps the strike. Another superb over from the experienced Siddle. Just 4 off the over.
16.5
1
On the pads, Sams turns it to mid-wicket for a single.
Alex Hales gives a quick interview. Says that he struggled to get the momentum initially in his innings. Shares that it's a good pitch and 180 would be a good total. On being hit on the body on a few occasions, Alex replies that he is fine and maybe will feel the effect tomorrow morning.
16.4
1
Full on off, Morris strokes it towards long off, well wide of Siddle this time for a single.
Daniel Sams is the new man in.
16.3
W
OUT! RUN OUT! What an unfortunate way to get out! Lucky dismissal if you are the bowling side, frustrating one if you are from the batting side. Full on off, Morris smacks it straight down the ground, it kisses Siddle's boot and goes onto deflect the stumps at the non striker's end. Nair is out of his crease and Siddle puts in an appeal. The umpire has a thought but Nair is walking back, seeing that the umpire raises his finger. Siddle has a smile on his face but also apologizes to Nair.
16.2
1
Short ball on off, Nair punches it to deep cover for a single.
16.1
.
Slower delivery outside off, Nair looks to cut but misses it altogether.
Peter Siddle is back on. 2-0-6-1 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
6
1
0
0
1
1
Rashid Khan 15/1(3)
15.6
6
SIX! Morris finishes the over with a bang! Superb catch in the crowd. Flighted around off and spinning away. Morris hits it with the spin and smacks it over the extra cover fence for a biggie. The man standing there shows his skill and takes a very good catch.
15.5
1
On the pads, Nair flicks it to the leg side and gives the strike to Morris.
15.4
.
Long ball from Rashid. We don't usually see that. Loopy ball which is a yorker outside off, Nair fails to dig it out.
15.3
.
Shorter and spinning away, Nair cuts it but finds point.
15.2
1
Flighted on middle and leg, Morris sweeps it to deep mid-wicket for one.
15.1
1
Googly which is short on middle and off, Nair gets on his back foot and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Rashid is back. 2-0-6-1 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
2
1
0
1
1
2
Michael Neser 21/1(4)
14.6
2
Full delivery on middle, Morris looks to flick but does not time it well. The ball lands in between the deep mid-wicket and the long on fielder. The batters take a couple before the fielder comes across and cleans it up.
14.5
1
Another full toss on middle, Arjun works it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
14.4
.
BEATEN! Short ball outside off, Nair looks to play the upper cut but fails to get any bat on it.
14.3
1
Good length ball on middle, Morris tucks it to deep square leg for another run.
14.2
1
Full toss on middle, Nair flicks it to deep square leg for a single.
14.1
2
MISFIELD! Full delivery on off, Nair drives it towards the cover fielder. Head misfields and the ball rolls wide of long off. Stanlake comes across and cleans it up. Two taken.
Michael Neser is back into the attack. 3-0-14-1 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
2
4
1
1
1
0W
Travis Head 9/1(1)
13.6
2
Flatter on middle and leg, Morris turns it through mid-wicket for a couple. 9 runs off the over but also the wicket of Ross.
13.5
4
FOUR! Poor ball but also smartly played. On the pads and slightly short, Morris gets down on one knee and lofts his paddle over fine leg for a boundary.
13.4
1
Shorter on off, Nair punches it to the off side and rotates the strike.
13.3
1
Once again Head darts it on the pads, Morris turns it to the leg side and gets off the mark with a run.
13.2
1
On the pads, Nair flicks it to the leg side for a single.
Chris Morris is the new man in.
13.1
W
OUT! Caught! Ross holes out and the Strikers skipper strikes in his very first ball. Thunder under pressure here. Head bowls it slightly slower through the air on middle and off. Ross looks to heave it over the mid-wicket fence but gets no timing at all. He was struggling for timing all evening and on this occasion as well he does not time it. The ball goes very high in sky but does not travel the distance. It goes towards deep mid-wicket, Jonathan Wells comes running in and takes a simple, well judged catch. Ross' struggling knock comes to an end and Strikers once again go on the front seat.
Travis Head brings himself on now.
In over# 1
1
1
6
1
0
1
Billy Stanlake 32/0(3)
12.6
1
Good length ball on off, Ross runs it down to third man for a single. Another expensive over for big Billy. 10 off this one.
12.5
1
Follows the biggie with a single towards point for a single.
12.4
6
SIX! That has been pasted well over the mid-wicket for a giant six. This one is as big as Billy Stanlake's height. Full on off, Nair gets under it and heaves it two to three rows behind the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.
12.3
1
Good length ball on off, this time Ross dabs it past the diving Weatherald towards backward point for a single.
12.2
.
Good length ball outside off, Ross cuts it but Weatherald at point jumps and saves runs for his side.
12.1
1
Good length ball outside off, Nair dabs it down to third man for a single.
Billy Stanlake is back on. 22 from his 2 so far.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0
0W
Rashid Khan 6/1(2)
11.6
.
Flatter one on middle, Ross defends it back to the bowler. A successful over comes to an end.
11.5
.
Well fielded! Full on middle, Ross reverse sweeps it but the first slip fielder dives and makes a good stop.
11.4
1
Loopy delivery on middle, Nair works it to deep square leg for a single.
11.3
.
Flighted ball on off, Nair pushes it to cover.
11.2
.
BEATEN! Excellent delivery from Rashid! Flatter one outside off, Nair looks to defend but fails to get any bat on it.
Arjun Nair is the new man in. In Bond's words, he is a good player of spin. Let's see how he deals with the Rashid Khan threat.
11.1
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Rashid Khan does the job again for the Strikers. How many times have we seen him get wickets when his side needs it the most? Flatter delivery on middle, Hales looks to flick but it takes the leading edge and lobs towards point. Peter Siddle takes a simple catch. Alex Hales departs after playing an excellent knock of 59 runs.
In over# 1
1
0
1wd
4
4
6
1
Wes Agar 41/0(3)
10.6
1
Fuller outside off, Hales slams it over point and gets a single as the fielder from third man cleans it up. Another expensive over for Wes Agar. Hales has gone after him and this one goes for 17. 41 from his 3 so far and he has had a torrid time till now.
10.5
.
This time he manages to bowl it inside the tramline and get the execution spot on. This time it is inside the tramline, Hales swings his bat at it but misses.
10.5
1wd
WIDE! Pressure building on Agar. He goes wide outside off but misses his line and sends it away from the tram line. Hales shoulders his arms to it.
Sydney Thunder's coach, Shane Bond is caught for a quick interview near the boundary line. The Kiwi speedster says that they have talked about a score of 170 and it looks a bit tough at this stage but the current two batsmen have done well this season. Adds that they have talked about the individual plans, Ross is known for hitting hard and Nair to come can play spin well. Tells that they want to put good runs on the board and defend it like the other night.
10.4
4
FOUR! 14 off the last three balls and the Englishman is going after Agar. Wes now bowls a slower delivery outside off on a length. Hales picks it early and slashes it through cover-point for a boundary.
10.3
4
FOUR! This time Hales times his drive and creams it through covers. After going a bit short, Wes goes full around off. Hales gets on his front foot and drives it through covers for a boundary.
10.2
6
SIX! Hales gets to his fifty in style. You hardly see batsman not time it but still it goes all the way. Hales shows his strength as a mistimed pull goes over the fence. Back of a length on off, Hales goes for the pull on the shorter side of the ground. The ball gets heavy on him but still he manages to send it over the mid-wicket fence.
10.1
1
Agar bowls it on a length around off, Ross runs it down to third man for a single.
Tactical Time-Out has been taken. Wes Agar is back into the attack. 2-0-24-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
1
1
1
0
1
1
Rashid Khan 5/0(1)
9.6
1
Another short leg spinner from Ross, this time he pulls it to deep mid-wicket and keeps the strike. 5 runs off Rashid's first. The Afghanistan superstar starts like his usual self. Sydney Thunder are 72/2 at the halfway mark of the innings.
9.5
1
Shorter on off, Hales pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
9.4
1
Floated around off, Ross drags his sweep towards wide long on and takes a single.
9.3
.
Energetic Rashid! Floated delivery on middle and leg, Ross strokes it to the right of the bowler and looks for a single but Rashid goes behind the ball quickly and saves the single with a slide.
9.2
1
Googly on off, Hales plays it with the spin towards mid on and gets a single.
9.1
1
Rashid starts with a shorter delivery around off. It is bowled at 99.6 kph. Ross gets on his back foot and punches it to the off side for a single.
Spin time! The Afghani Maestro, Rashid Khan is into the attack.
In over# 1
1
0
1
0
1
0
Michael Neser 14/1(3)
8.6
1
Fuller on middle and leg, Ross glances it towards mid-wicket for a single. Another tidy over from Neser, just 3 off this one.
8.5
.
Play and a miss. Back of a length delivery outside off, Ross looks to go over point but the ball zooms off the surface and hence he misses it.
8.4
1
Length ball around off, Hales punches it towards sweeper cover for a single.
8.3
.
Length delivery on off and middle, Hales taps it towards point and after thinking of a single he tells his partner to wait.
8.2
1
Low full toss around off, Ross cannot get under it and just hits it towards long on for a single.
8.1
.
Good length ball on off, Ross defends it towards cover.
Michael Neser is back on now. 2-0-11-1 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
1
1
4
6
1
1
Billy Stanlake 22/0(2)
7.6
1
Around off, Ross defends it with soft hands and gets a single. Expensive over from Billy again. 14 off this one, 22 in 2.
7.5
1
Fuller on middle and leg, Hales now nudges it towards long on and gets a single.
7.4
4
FOUR! Crispy! Such an eye-pleasing drive from Hales. Stanlake goes full around off, Hales leans in his drive and creams it through covers for a boundary. Stanlake under the pump here.
7.3
6
SIX! Another maximum for the Englishman. He has found his groove now after struggling initially. Length ball on off and middle, Hales goes on his back foot and whacks his pull over the square leg fence for a biggie.
7.2
1
Length delivery on off, Ross taps it towards cover-point and straightaway calls for a single.
7.1
1
Good length ball on middle and off, Hales dabs it down to third man for a single.
Billy Stanlake is back into the attack. 1-0-8-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
4
1wd
1
Wes Agar 24/0(2)
6.6
.
Play and a miss. Length delivery outside off, Ross looks to punch it on the off side but misses.
6.5
1
Outside off on a length, Hales cuts it to deep point and gets a single to bring up the 50 for Thunder!
6.4
.
Ouch! Another stinker for Hales. Good length ball around the body, Hales looks to pull but misses and the ball hits him on the gut this time. Hales winces in pain but he is a strong man and after holding his gut briefly he is ready to resume.
6.3
.
Hales follows the boundary with an easy, simple tap back to the bowler.
6.2
4
FOUR! Cut away nicely. When you bowl wide outside off, the margin of error is minimal. Agar gives enough width to Hales to cut it and he does so over point for a boundary.
6.2
1wd
WIDE! Nice idea but the execution is just a bit off. Agar goes well wide outside off, making Hales stretch out for it. He does so but the ball is on the wrong side of the tram line.
6.1
1
Length ball around off, Ross punches it to deep cover for a single.
In over# 1
4
1
0W
0
0
0
Peter Siddle 6/1(2)
5.6
4
FOUR! Uppish but safe! Good length ball on middle, Hales flicks it uppishly but it is wide of the mid-wicket fielder for a boundary. 43/2 in the Powerplay!
5.5
1
Good length ball on off, Ross defends it to covers and takes a single.
Alex Ross is the new man in. Thunder in a huge state of bother here as two of their best batters are back in the hut. Can Ross and Hales take them out of this muddle?
5.4
W
OUT! LBW! Ferguson is shocked at the decision but he has to go. Excellent bowling from Siddle and he deserves this wicket. Good length ball on middle, Ferguson looks to flick across the line by lifting his front leg. He misses and gets hit on the pads. Siddle and the rest appeal and the umpire raises his finger. Ferguson is dejected as he makes his way to the pavilion. Wait a minute, Callum Ferguson is extremely unlucky here as the Ball Tracker rolls in which shows that the ball was going over the stumps. Would not mind a review here, eh, Ferguson? Unfortunately, reviews are not available in this tournament. It's a body blow to the Thunder as their skipper has been in fine form and losing him cheaply in this crunch encounter in this manner won't go down well with the team.
5.3
.
Very full delivery on middle, Ferguson digs it out to mid on.
5.2
.
Fullish on middle, Callum comes down and looks to flick but it goes uppishly. The ball lands in front of the mid on fielder. Another dot.
5.1
.
Full on middle, Ferguson looks to flick but it takes the inside half of the bat and the ball goes towards mid-wicket.
Peter Siddle to bowl the final over of the Powerplay.
In over# 1
0
0
6
1wd
6
0
4
Wes Agar 17/0(1)
4.6
.
BEATEN! Excellent delivery from Agar. Good length delivery outside off, Hales looks to defend but fails to get any bat on it. Not a good over from Agar. 17 runs from it.
4.5
.
Short ball outside off, Hales makes room and then cuts but finds the point fielder.
4.4
6
SIX! Monstrous! That is huge. Length ball on middle, Hales heaves it over the deep mid-wicket region for a huge maximum. He is finally getting into his zone after the initial struggle.
4.4
1wd
WIDE! Fullish down the leg side, Hales attempts the flick but misses. Wide signaled.
4.3
6
SIX! Bang! Full on the pads, Hales whips it over the deep square leg region for a biggie. First one of the game.
4.2
.
MUCH BETTER! Good length ball outside off, with some away movement. Hales looks to drive but misses. The keeper collects it on the bounce. Actually, in the replays, there was a bit of an outside edge on that one.
4.1
4
FOUR! Welcome into the attack, Mr. Agar! Good length ball outside off from Agar. Hales punches it through the cover region for a boundary.
Wes Agar is on now.
In over# 1
1
1
0W
1lb
1
4
Michael Neser 11/1(2)
3.6
1
Good shot but just a single. This will give Hales some confidence as he has hit it better than his previous deliveries. Full on off, Hales strokes it wide of cover and keeps the strike.
3.5
1
Ferguson is off the mark straightaway. Good length ball on off, Ferguson punches it towards cover and gets a single.
Callum Ferguson, the Thunder's skipper is the new man in.
3.4
W
OUT! Chopped on! Huge wicket and a great start for the Adelaide Strikers. Good length delivery just outside off, Khawaja looks to heave it on the leg side and take on Neser as Hales is struggling at the other end. The ball does not rise as much as Khawaja expected it to. It takes the inside edge of his willow and goes onto disturb the stumps. Neser has the last laugh and the silent assassin, Usman Khawaja is back in the hut. Unlike the Eliminator he cannot do the damage for the Thunder.
3.3
1lb
On the pads, Hales is struggling to get bat on ball here. He looks to flick it to the leg side but misses and the ball goes to the leg side off his pads. They take a leg bye.
3.2
1
Smart bowling from Neser. He takes the pace off this one and bowls it short as well. Khawaja is early in his pull but manages to drag it towards mid-wicket for a run.
3.1
4
FOUR! Does not time it well but Khawaja's started with an aggressive approach. Full on off, Khawaja clears his front leg and goes over mid on for a boundary.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0
0
Peter Siddle 1/0(1)
2.6
.
Full on middle, Hales drives it straight back to Siddle. Only 1 from the over. Excellent start from Peter Siddle as well.
2.5
.
OUCH! That must have hurt! Short ball around the leg stump line, Hales looks to pull but gets hit around the back thigh. Seems to be in pain.
2.4
.
Hales defends this good length ball on off to mid off.
2.3
1
Fullish delivery on the pads, Khawaja flicks it to deep square leg for a single.
2.2
.
BEATEN! Short of a length ball outside off, Khawaja clears his front leg and then attempts to cut. He misses and the ball whizzes past the outside edge of the bat and goes into the mitts of the keeper.
2.1
.
Cheeky attempt but misses! Siddle dishes a good length ball on middle, Khawaja looks to play the scoop but fails to make any connection to it.
Peter Siddle replaces Stanlake.
In over# 1
1
1
0
0
0
2
Michael Neser 4/0(1)
1.6
1
Length ball on off, Khawaja comes down the track and drives it to deep cover for a single. 4 runs from the over, a good one by Neser.
1.5
1
Quick single! Full on off, Hales drives it to mid off and takes off for a single. The fielder comes ahead but fails to collect it cleanly. The batters in the end make it easily.
1.4
.
Length ball on off, Hales looks to cut but it takes the inside half of the bat and goes onto hit the pads.
1.3
.
Fullish on middle, Hales drives it straight down the ground. Unfortunately for him, the ball goes onto hit the stumps at the bowler's end.
1.2
.
Play and a miss! Good length ball outside off, with some away movement. Hales looks to drive but fails to get any bat on it.
1.1
2
Hales is underway!!! Neser bowls a full delivery on middle, Hales looks to flick but it takes the inside half of the bat and the ball goes towards mid-wicket. The batters pick up two before the fielder cleans it up.
Michael Neser will bowl from the other end.
In over# 1
0
0
4
0
0
4
Billy Stanlake 8/0(1)
0.6
.
Around the hips of Khawaja. He tucks it to the leg side and get through the over. Good start for the Sydney Thunder, 8 off the first.
0.5
.
On top of off, Khawaja follows the boundary with a calm defense.
0.4
4
FOUR! Now in front of square on the leg side. Once again Billy bowls it shorter on off and middle, Khawaja is hanging on his back foot and pulls it through mid-wicket this time for a boundary.
0.3
.
Billy goes fuller on off, no movement on this one and Usman pushes it to mid off.
0.2
.
Stanlake hits the deck hard and bowls it on off. Khawaja defends it off the back foot.
0.1
4
FOUR! What a start to the Knockout! Khawaja continues from where he left off in the Eliminator. Back of a length delivery first up from Stanlake. Khawaja is quick to get on his back foot and pulls it behind square on the leg side for a boundary. Thundering start from the Sydney Thunder.
The Knockout is set to get underway!!! The Strikers stride out to the middle followed by Alex Hales and Usman Khawaja, the openers of Sydney Thunder. Billy Stanlake will start with the ball for Strikers. The positive is the sun is overtaking the clouds.
Sydney Thunder (Unchanged Playing XI) - Usman Khawaja, Alex Hales, Callum Ferguson (C), Alex Ross, Chris Morris, Daniel Sams, Jay Lenton (WK), Chris Tremain, Jonathan Cook, Arjun Nair, Brendan Doggett.
Adelaide Strikers (Unchanged Playing XI) - Philip Salt, Jake Weatherald, Travis Head (C), Alex Carey (WK), Jonathan Wells, Matthew Short, Michael Neser, Rashid Khan, Peter Siddle, Wes Agar, Billy Stanlake.
Toss - Adelaide Strikers have won the bat flip and they will bowl first.
Pitch report - Greg Blewett is there for the pitch report. Starts by saying that it is overcast and the rain has cleared just in time. Adds that the pitch has a greenish tinge to it. Goes onto say there will be some moisture on it and good pace which will stay throughout. States that there won't be much turn for the spinners and it is generally a high-scoring venue. 175 is the average winning score informs Blewett.
Greetings! It's time for the Knockout game and it is Adelaide Strikers facing the Sydney Thunder. Adelaide Strikers head into this game as favorites courtesy of their performances in the league stages and playing in their own backyard is an added bonus. But underestimate the Thunder at your own risk. The team from Sydney has momentum on their side with two back-to-back wins and their performance against the Hurricanes in the Eliminator is a good example of what this side is capable of. Whose journey of the tournament will end tonight? Stay tuned to find out as the toss is not far away.
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