CANBERRA: Sam Billings’ brilliance helped Sydney Thunder beat Perth Scorchers by 34 runs; handing the Scorchers their first defeat in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL).
Chasing 201, in the 24th match of the BBL, the Scorchers’ batters failed to get their side over the line. The side had a poor start to their inning; losing the first three wickets for just 17 runs.
The scorchers continued to lose wickets at a consistent pace, but, Colin Munro, on the other hand, showed fightback. The batter scored an unbeaten 64 off 43 balls, including six boundaries. But, Munro’s heroics too, could not drive the side to victory.
Later, Andrew Tye played a blinder; scoring 44 off just 25 balls, but, fell short. He smashed three boundaries and as many sixes. With no significant contribution from the fellow-batters, the side, in the end, restricted to 166/8 in the allotted 20 overs.
For Thunder, Nathan McAndrew starred; picking three wickets, while Chris Green and Saqib Mahmood each took two wickets. Daniel Sams, on the other hand, bagged one wicket.
Batting first, the Thunder also started their innings poorly, the side lost their opener – Matthew Gikes at a combined score of five. Soon after, Alex Hales, too, dismissed cheaply after scoring just 13. The thunder slipped to 23/2 in the fourth over.
Jason Sangha and Billings then batted brilliantly and partnered strongly, to set the tone for the Thunder to post a commendable total of 200 in their allotted 20 overs. The pair put on an astonishing 113-runs partnership.
Both Sangha and Billings scored magnificent half-centuries. Sangha scored an unbeaten 56 off 46 balls, laced with five boundaries, followed by the top-scored and the player of the match – Billings, who smashed a terrific 67 off just 35 balls, including 10 boundaries and two sixes.
With small but important contributions from the batting tail, the Thunder finished at 200/7 in their sixth match of the ongoing tournament.
For the Scorchers, Matthew Kelly picked three wickets for 30, while Mitchell Marsh bagged two wickets. Jason Behrendorff and Tye, on the other hand, shared one wicket apiece.
Following this victory, the Thunder moved up to the fourth position, while the Scorchers remained at the top.
