Twitter Reactions: Josh Philippe's unbeaten 83 guides Sydney Sixers to the win against Adelaide Strikers in BBL 2019-20

Adelaide Strikers locked horns with Sydney Sixers in the 23rd match of the Big Bash League 2019-20. The fans had expected it to be a competitive encounter but it turned out to be a one-sided affair. In the previous game, Strikers suffered a close defeat against Sydney Thunder and they were expected to come up with some impressive show in their first game for the year 2020 and but that was not the case in the match played at International Sports Stadium in Coffs Harbour.

After winning the toss, Strikers elected to bat and got off to a steady start but ended their innings on a high note. Sixers fast bowler Jackson Bird helped his side in getting the first breakthrough of the match as he dismissed Strikers in-form opener Jake Weatherald, who got a leading edge on the short-pitched delivery and was caught by Ben Dwarshuis at third man.

Alex Carey (29 runs off 31 balls) and Phillip Salt (25 runs off 13 balls) stitched a good partnership of 47 runs for the second wicket and helped their side in reviving from the early setback. But, Josh Hazelwood, who was playing his first T20 game after a long span of four years, bowled settled Carey out and successfully managed to break the dangerous-looking partnership.

Adelaide Strikers bowlers fail to restrict Sydney Sixers 

Later on, Jonathan Wells played a swift knock of 40 runs off 28 balls with five boundaries that helped his team in getting some momentum in the match followed by a small cameo of Michael Neser, who muscled 25 runs off 15 balls with three boundaries and one six.

The duo helped Strikers in posting a competitive total of 176 runs at a loss of six wickets in stipulated 20 overs. Lloyd Pope took two wickets for Sixers and was well supported by Ben Dwarshuis, Jackson Bird and Josh Hazlewood from the other end, who took one wicket each.

Coming onto the chase, Sydney Sixers got off to a flying start as their opener Justin Avendano (47 runs off 33 balls) and Josh Philippe (83 runs off 52 balls) knitted an opening partnership of 72 runs. However, Harry Conway helped Strikers in getting their first breakthrough of the match, who dismissed settled Avendano. But till then, Sixers had already taken a big lead in the match. Daniel Hughes and James Vince also contributed well with the bat as the former scored 24 and latter muscled 19 runs respectively.

Josh Philippe was in full flow with the bat, who smashed Strikers bowlers’ all across the park during the match. He smashed five boundaries and four big sixes and played brilliant unbeaten knock in the match. His extraordinary batting helped Sydney Sixers in registering a convincing win against Adelaide Strikers, who went past the total of 176 with three balls to spare. In the end, Philippe was awarded Man of the Match for his brilliance with the bat.

Here is how Twitter reacted:

Watching Josh Philippe finishing the game for Sydney Sixers against Adelaide Strikers. Hits the ball hard and well. Really good pick by RCB ahead of IPL 2020. Wonder if he'd get to play though given the presence of other overseas options #BBL09

— Nishad Pai Vaidya (@NishadPaiVaidya) January 5, 2020

Take a bow Josh Philippe 🙏🏼

— pumpkineater69 (@markjwinton99) January 5, 2020

Extraordinary innings….Josh Philippe.#BBL

— VINAY🏏 (@CRICKETDUDE_) January 5, 2020

Josh philippe 👌👌. RCB gud signing👍🏻👍🏻

— raghav (@jeshvi) January 5, 2020

In an already crowded list, best Josh Philippe BBL innings yet. Didn't have it all on his own terms, hang around, stole the show, then closed it. #BBL09

— Corbin Middlemas (@CorbinMiddlemas) January 5, 2020

Josh Philippe stars with 83 not out in front of an awesome crowd in Coffs Harbour as the Sixers claim a crucial win over the Strikers! #BBL09 pic.twitter.com/jsWL4XWKHu

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 5, 2020

Impressive run chase by Sydney Sixers lead by young 22-year-old Josh Philippe scoring unbeaten 83 runs from 52 balls including 5 fours and 4 sixes against Rashid and Co. Brilliant stuff. #BBL09

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 5, 2020

While chasing 177 runs, Josh Philippe scored 83* (52) in BBL

RCB Fans to Other teams : pic.twitter.com/Se6N7Hgtt9

— 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒔 (@Shebas_10dulkar) January 5, 2020

Josh Philippe vs Rashid Khan:

4,0,6,1,0,1,4,1,4,1,1,0.

Runs – 23
Balls – 12#BBL09

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 5, 2020

Josh Philippe – 83 * (52) in Chasing 🔥🔥

RCB Boy dawww 😎😎 #BBL09 https://t.co/LtjdDDzhHF

— Yσυ нανє ƒαιℓє∂ тнє ¢ιту (@imBatasari) January 5, 2020

Western Australia’s Josh Philippe putting on an absolute clinic

— Josh Martin (@joshymartin) January 5, 2020

Impressive finishing by Josh Philippe. Still surprised he didn't go for more at the #iplauction #BBL2019

— Gav Joshi (@Gampa_cricket) January 5, 2020

Josh Philippe is a bloody star. Already. At 22 years old #BBL09

— Matt (@Mattys123) January 5, 2020

Michael Neser dropped Josh Philippe and now has conceded 14 in 3 balls.

Not a good return to #BBL for Neser. Great batting by Philippe.#BBL09 #Cricket

— CricBlog (@cric_blog) January 5, 2020

That was quite the innings from Josh Philippe #BBL09

— Patrick Gray (@PatrickM_Gray) January 5, 2020

Josh Philippe v Rashid.😍#BBL #IPL2020 pic.twitter.com/mT1v3Pcetv

— VINAY🏏 (@CRICKETDUDE_) January 5, 2020