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ADELAIDE: David Warner’s valiant unbeaten half-century went in vain as Adelaide Strikers edged out Sydney Thunder by six runs in a tense Big Bash League (BBL) 15 encounter at the Adelaide Oval on Tuesday, ending the visitors’ playoff hopes.
After winning the toss, Warner opted to field, a decision that initially paid dividends as Sydney Thunder struck early to leave the Strikers wobbling at 19-2 inside the first two overs.
However, wicketkeeper-batter Mackenzie Harvey and Jason Sangha steadied the innings with a crucial 68-run stand for the third wicket.
Sangha was the first to depart after scoring 31 off 23 deliveries, while Harvey followed soon after with a composed 38 off 34 balls.
From there, Liam Scott anchored the lower-middle order with an unbeaten 49 off 32 balls, striking seven boundaries to lift Adelaide Strikers to a competitive 165-8 in their 20 overs.
Wes Agar was the standout bowler for Thunder with three wickets, while Nathan McAndrew picked up two.
Chasing 166, Sydney Thunder got off to a promising start through a fluent 73-run opening partnership between David Warner and Matthew Gilkes.
The stand was broken by Jamie Overton, who dismissed Gilkes for 43 off 33 balls, an innings laced with four fours and two sixes.
Warner continued to battle at one end but found limited support as wickets fell regularly.
Nic Maddinson provided a brief spark with a brisk 21 off 14 balls before becoming Overton’s second victim.
With 44 required off the final four overs, Thunder remained in the hunt, largely due to Warner’s presence at the crease.
The equation came down to 13 runs off the final over, bowled by Luke Wood, but he restricted Thunder to just six runs.
Warner finished unbeaten on 67 off 51 balls, including eight boundaries and a six, but it was not enough to drag his side over the line.
Jamie Overton was named Player of the Match for his decisive three-wicket haul, while Lloyd Pope chipped in with two scalps.
The defeat leaves Sydney Thunder rooted to the bottom of the BBL 15 standings with just one win from seven matches.
Adelaide Strikers, meanwhile, climbed to fifth place with three victories from six games, keeping their playoff ambitions alive.
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