MELBOURNE: In the knock-out match of the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL), Adelaide Strikers sealed a thrilling victory over Sydney Thunder by six runs, and advanced to BBL Challenger.
Strikers’ bowler – Harry Conway held his nerve calm to defend 14 runs in the final over; leaking only seven runs and picking two wickets to knock Thunder out of the title hunt.
Set to chase 185, the Thunder had a poor start to their innings; losing their first wicket for a mere 15. Alex Ross and Jason Sangha, however, anchored the innings with their half-centuries when the side was two down for 56 in the seventh over.
Ross scored 56 off 39 deliveries including four boundaries and a six before falling short to Conway. Sangha, on the other hand, held on for a little long and top-scored with his magnificent 61 off just 43 deliveries, laced with six boundaries and a six.
The duo appeared in top-notch but could not guide their side to the victory, while the rest of the Thunder batter failed to contribute significantly, resulting in the side losing the match by six runs in the end.
For the Strikers, Conway and Peter Siddle bagged two wickets each, while Matthew Short, Henry Thornton struck out a batter each.
Batting first, the Strikers managed to post a commendable total of 184/6 in the allotted 20 overs, thanks to the astonishing knock of Ian Cockbain, who top-scored for the side with his quickfire 65 off just 38 balls; smashing six boundaries and three sixes.
Short too, was impressive as the right-handed batter chipped in up the order to provide a solid foundation to the side. The 26-years-old scored a sensible 39 off 28 deliveries, laced with two boundaries and as many sixes.
With the valuable contribution from the rest of the Strikers batters, the side finished at 184/6 in 20 overs.
For Thunder, Gurinder Sandhu and Tanveer Sangha claimed two wickets each, while Jason Sangha and Nathan McAndrew struck out a batter each.
Following this victory, the Strikers have advanced to the Challenger of the BBL and will lock horns with Sydney Sixers for the final spot.
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