Twitter Reactions: Joe Denly helps Sydney Sixers topple Adelaide Strikers to second position in this BBL

Prior to their match at Adelaide Oval, both Sydney Sixers and Adelaide Strikers were precariously hanging in the middle of the points table in this edition’s Big Bash League (BBL). In the end, the visiting team, captained by all-rounder Moises Henriques, won by six wickets and moved to the second position. Colin Ingram’s Strikers, despite losing in home conditions, managed to hold their third spot in the table.

Weatherald steps up again

The Strikers won the toss and elected to bat first and then they racked up 150 runs in 20 overs. Wicketkeeper Alex Carey succumbed to a run-out in the very first over. Thereafter, skipper Ingram and Jake Weatherald put their heads down and put on a stand of 38 runs in 28 balls. Right-arm speedster Sean Abbott removed Ingram, who scored 15 from 12 deliveries with a four and six, to separate the duo.

Matthew Short stumbled during his stay as he got 16 runs at less than a run-ball, but he cobbled a stand of 47 runs with Weatherald, after which Tom Curran castled him. Weatherald scored his fifty in 38 balls and a couple of balls later left-arm spinner Steve O’Keefe accounted for his wicket. Jonathan Wells with a 29-ball 42 and a cameo of 17 runs from Cameron Valente injected impetus into the Strikers’ innings.

Denly turns Deadly

The run-chase didn’t start on a happy note for the Sydney Sixers as Michael Neser removed Justin Avendano in the second over. However, Joe Denly and Daniel Hughes steadied the ship with a partnership of 47 runs from 36 balls. Leg-spinner Liam O’Connor got rid of Hughes, who scored 24 runs with four boundaries. Skipper Henriques became Rashid Khan’s first victim after scoring 16 runs with a couple of fours.

The Afghan spinner got his second wicket in the form of Jordan Silk. In the meantime, the left-handed Jake Weatherald accomplished his half-century in 38 balls and went on to remain not out on 76 runs from 60 balls with eight fours and a massive hit into the stands. Keeper Josh Philippe churned out a quick-fire 30 runs off 15 balls, put on 53 runs with Weatherald and saw his team through to the triumph.

Here is how Twitter reacted

Joe Denly is a solid buy for @KKRiders .good batsman at opening & good at bowling legspin as well .

— ᎡᏆᎠᎬᎡ ᏚᏆNᏩᎻ (@SRKrider1) January 6, 2019

What an innings from Joe Denly 🔥🔥 @KentCricket #SuperKent

— David Byrom (@DB1993) January 6, 2019

Fantastic win for the @SixersBBL 👏🏽 A lot to like about Josh Philippe, lifted the tempo from the moment he came to the crease. Really solid knock from Joe Denly, patchy at times but got the job done comfortably. #BBL08

— Caden Helmers (@cadenhelmers) January 6, 2019

Really pleased to see Joe Denly put in a proper performance, good chase from the Sixers #BBL08

— Ash Goldsmith (@ashleygiow) January 6, 2019

Joe Denly has me to thank for this sudden return to form. Had him in @SuperCoachBBL all tournament he does absolutely fuck all, I punt him then he does this. Cheers Joe. Cunt #BBL08

— Danny Ando (@AndoDanny) January 6, 2019

Former Joe Denly owners… #supercoachbbl #bbl08 pic.twitter.com/KOx44Ih8za

— BBL Supercoach podcast (@BBLfreehitpod) January 6, 2019

Joe Denly is such a underrated cricketer

— Connor Pyke (@connorpyke) January 6, 2019

Joe Denly smashes an unbeaten 76, including 8 fours and 1 six, to give Sydney Sixers the win over Adelaide Strikers.

Top performance. 👏#BBL08 pic.twitter.com/7pG9irSCeI

— bet365 (@bet365) January 6, 2019

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