BBL 5 Semi-final 1 Review: Thunders march into their first Big Bash finals

Usman Khawaja was perennial today and single-handedly powered Sydney Thunder into the finals of the BBL 5. His team needed 160 runs to book a place in the finals of the tournament and his unconquered 59 ball 104 runs knock enabled them to effortlessly win the game in 17.4 overs with 8 wickets in hand. The Strikers had no answers to the runs flowing out of his willow.

Khawaja opened the innings with Shane Watson and showed his dominance right from the start. The evidence being the first wicket partnership of 57 run in which Watson could contribute only 7 runs before getting out. A boundary or a hit over the ropes had become frequent. Veteran Michael Hussey also could not stay with for long time and was caught behind by wicket keeper Ludeman off leggie Adil Rashid’s bowling. Khawaja had slowed down for a couple of over but soon got back to his rhythm. Henry Nicolls (35 from 27 balls) supported him and batted with him till the end for an unbeaten partnership of 73 runs. Khawaja reached his century in just 55 balls after he whacked Laughlin for a six over deep square leg just an over before the game ended.

Earlier, the Adelaide Strikers batted first after winning the toss. The start wasn’t great for the them as the lost both their openers by the 3rd over with just 11 runs on the scoreboard. All rounder Shane Watson was the first to strike after he removed the Mahela Jayawardene. Tim Ludeman was made to depart by Clint McKay.

The Strikers were still trying to get back in the groove when McKay struck again with the wicket of Travis Head. The Strikers innings could never flourish as the Thunders bowlers kept everything in their control. Barring Alex Ross (47 from 38 balls), no other batsmen could spend any considerable period of time at the crease. The 42 runs partnership between Jake Lehmann and Ross was the most significant partnership of their innings. Michael Nesser (27 from 16 balls) and Adil Rashid’s 3 balls 14 run cameos gave the last push to the Strikers scorecard and took them put up a commendable score a 159/7 after 20 overs.

Sydney Thunder will now face the winner of the 2nd semi-final between Melbourne Stars’ and Perth Scorchers for the title clash on 24th January.

Brief Scores:

Adelaide Strikers: 159/7 in 20 overs (Alex Ross 47; McKay 3/44)

Sydney Thunder: 160/2 in 17.4 overs (Usman Khawaja 104; Rashid 1/28)

Man of the Match: Usman Khawaja