Joe Denly surpasses 4000-run mark in T20 cricket on BBL debut

The Big Bash League (BBL) is getting more exciting as we get into the last leg of the tournament. Perth Scorchers have regained the top position in the points table after a win over the Adelaide Strikers. The points table is now evenly poised with all the top six teams having a good chance to make it to the semi-finals. The Hobart Hurricanes and Sydney Thunder must get better with their net run rate (NRR). The NRR could be crucial as things get down to the wire.

The Melbourne Stars and the Sydney Sixers are almost out of the race for the semi-finals. The Stars and Sixers have only won one game each thus far. Both these teams are now playing for pride and will want some decent number of victories under their belt in the league stage. Going further into the tournament, they would also look to give an opportunity to their benched players.

An impressive debut for Joe Denly

The tall right-handed batsman from Kent last played for England in 2010. He found it tough to adjust in the international arena and was sacked after having played 9 ODIs and 5 T20Is. However, he continues to feature in T20 leagues across the world. The Sydney Sixers signed Joe Denly as the replacement for Jason Roy. Roy had to leave the tournament mid-way to fulfil his national responsibilities. He will be featuring in the England side for the ODI series against Australia.

Denly had earlier played for Dhaka Dynamites in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). He had made his BBL debut earlier today for the Sydney Sixers and helped them win their first match in the tournament. Chasing a target of 157 runs set by the Thunders, Denly had provided them with a fine start to the innings.

He has scored 43 runs off 29 balls with an impressive strike rate of 148.28. He hit three sixes and four boundaries during his innings. During their attempt to chase down the target, Denly crossed the 4000 run-mark in T20 cricket. He was complemented beautifully by his opening partner, Daniel Hughes who scored 66 off 55 balls.