END OF OVER:20 | 4 Runs 1 Wkt | SS: 186/5 (47 runs required, RR: 9.30)
- Carlos Brathwaite2 (3b)
- Dan Christian21 (16b)
- Brendan Doggett4-0-24-1
- Adam Milne4-0-37-0
Two big games tomorrow. First, the Heat look to keep their play-off hopes alive against the Renegades, and then the big one: the Stars against the Scorchers at the MCG, with the hosts in a scrap for the play-offs. We'll be here to talk you through it as ever, and remember to check out Andrew McGlashan's report on tonight's carnage, but until then, it's goodnight from Ranjith and myself.
No prizes for guessing who the player of the match is. "It would be right up there [with my best innings]. Definitely top five," says Hales. "Really good day at the office for us. For us to turn up in the Sydney derby is really good. It's about finding that balance, having that positive intent but not throwing your wicket away. [Finals] It's a massive win for us, confidence-wise. The last few games haven't quite gone to plan. Hopefully we can get on a little roll now. I was just being sarcastic when I got back to the dugout, saying the pitch was spinning and seaming everywhere. Everyone put their hand up, came in and scored quickly from ball one. [Contact from England] No, nothing at all. Nothing from that end. I'm just going to see what happens. I hope so, that's the peak of cricket, playing for your country. If that's the end result, then brilliant. [Pitch] Really, really good. A ground that I really enjoy batting at. It's a beautiful place to play cricket. [Bowling effort] Really really impressive on a good pitch."
So the Thunder jump into third thanks to a 46-run win. This was a flat deck and Alex Hales made hay, hitting the second century of the season - and the second at the Adelaide Oval by a man named Alex in as many nights - as the Thunder piled on the biggest total in BBL history. The Sixers bowled poorly: they were in the game for one over, but when Hales cashed in against O'Keefe in the powerplay they were always behind the game. Henriques had some useful time in the middle in the chase but after Philippe fell early, the Sixers never stood much of a chance. They are still well-placed to finish top of the pile, but the Thunder take the Sydney Smash bragging rights.
48 off the last...
Brathwaite. Even an Eden Gardens special wouldn't do the job from here.
JC Silk b Doggett 42 (30b 3x4 1x6) SR: 140.00
greg: "this game further pads the Thunder's net run rate and surely ensures their route into the playoffs" -- Yep, they're looking pretty comfortable now
51 off the last.
END OF OVER:19 | 8 Runs | SS: 182/4 (51 runs required from 6 balls, RR: 9.57, RRR: 51.00)
- Jordan Silk42 (29b)
- Dan Christian20 (14b)
- Adam Milne4-0-37-0
- Nathan McAndrew4-0-57-0
Danish: "Chris Green only bowled one over..surely could have been given at least another 2." -- You sound like a fantasy player spurned
Laura: "@The phantom, it is not as simple as that. bad umpiring decision can still happen even with DRS (eg when there are no reviews left). hence, the standard of umpiring needs to better!"
Just the 59 needed off the last 12 balls.
END OF OVER:18 | 12 Runs | SS: 174/4 (59 runs required from 12 balls, RR: 9.66, RRR: 29.50)
- Dan Christian19 (10b)
- Jordan Silk35 (27b)
- Nathan McAndrew4-0-57-0
- Brendan Doggett3-0-21-0
Matt M: "Can never be a good feeling when you hit a boundary and the asking rate still goes up..."
END OF OVER:17 | 9 Runs | SS: 162/4 (71 runs required from 18 balls, RR: 9.52, RRR: 23.66)
- Dan Christian7 (4b)
- Jordan Silk35 (27b)
- Brendan Doggett3-0-21-0
- Tanveer Sangha4-0-34-2
The Phantom: "Know this has been said before, but DRS can't come soon enough to the BBL. At least that decision has no impact on the result tonight"
80 off 24 is the equation. Doggett returns for his third.