BBL 5 Match 11 Review: Thunders beat Strikers to continue their winning streak

It was the battle between the two unbeaten sides of the BBL 2015- Adelaide Strikers and Sydney Thunders. But, it would be the Thunders who would continue with its winning streak.

The Strikers had a very ominous start after winning the toss and deciding to bat first. Opener Tim Ludeman and Craig Simmons were sent off to the pavilion in the first two overs itself. Andre Russell got Ludeman off his very first delivery of the match. A flashy drive did not connect well as the ball nicked the bat and went straight to the wicketkeeper.

The second ball of the next over saw Gurinder Sandhu remove Simmons who could not judge the bounce of the ball and was caught at point. Mahela Jayawardene and Travis Head looked comfortable and rotated the strike. However, Thunders did take much time to strike again as an off cutter from Jacques Kallis made Travis Head cramp for room and offer a simple edge to the wicketkeeper.

Jayawardene and Brad Hodge, the two veterans, now had the responsibility on their shoulders to control the innings. Both showed glimpses of aggression when they pummeled three boundaries in the 8th over by Andre Russell. But, Jayawardene (21 from 31 balls) was run out in an attempt to convert a quick single into a double. It was a major blow. Alex Ross could not work his magic today as he was out playing a uppish drive straight to Hussey at covers.

Adil Rashid (25 from 18 balls) played a much-needed cameo with Brad Hodge. Both scored shared a 37-run stand for the 7th wicket and took Strikers from 65/6 to 102/7. The partnership was broken by Andre Russell in the 18th after Hodge’s hit just fell short at the boundary line and was caught by Green. The last over yielded valuable 14 runs and the Strikers ended at 117/9 after 20 overs

The target was uncomplicated and Jacques Kallis and Aiden Blizzard started in brilliant fashion. Both batsmen attacked only when the opportunity came and did not try to be overly-aggressive. Finally, in the 10th over, Simmons got the first breakthrough for the Strikers after Blizzard couldn’t connect a full toss and was caught in cover.

However, the breakthrough came little late as the match was almost in the Thunders ‘pocket after the opening stand worth 66 runs. Kallis continued batting in the same manner with Shane Watson as both knew was easily within the reach. But, Watson could not stay till the end after he was foxed by a slower delivery by Ben Laughlin and was cleaned up just when only 18 were required to win.

Andre Rusell brought his firepower and whacked two sixes in short succession but lost the opportunity to hit the winning runs as he was dismissed by Laughlin just when the scores were level. Jacques Kallis (49) who had anchored the home team all the way through the chase scored a boundary off the next ball for the winning runs.

The Thunders outplayed the Strikers in all aspects of the game. Andre Russell set the tone and other bowlers complimented him really well to choke Strikers for mere 117. Thunders openers Blizzard and Kallis built a strong platform and ensured a smooth chase.

Brief Scores:

Adelaide Strikers: 117/9 in 20 overs (Hodge 34; McKay 2/18)

Sydney Thunders: 121/4 in 16.3 overs (Kallis 49; Laughlin 2/22)

Man of Match: Andre Russell