Twitter Reactions: Sydney Thunder drub Melbourne Stars to keep the chances alive

The two sides lying at the bottom of the table were up against each other at the MCG. Melbourne Stars managed just 1 win their 9 games while Shane Watson led Sydney Thunder did slightly better than the Melbourne Stars. Watson after winning the toss opted to field first trusting their chasing ability.

Melbourne Stars’ opener Peter Handscomb and Ben Dunk provided a breezy start to the side as they hit five boundaries in first three overs. Thunder skipper Shane Watson removed Ben Dunk to ensure things were pretty much in their control. Handscomb continued his innings but he didn’t get any support from the middle-order batsmen. Kevin Pietersen and Glenn Maxwell failed to have any impact as they got out cheaply.

Handscomb found a partner in Seb Gotch and the two stabilized the innings as Handscomb reached his half-century. Kiwi star Mithcell McClenaghan took a brilliant catch off his own bowling to send the dangerous looking Handscomb for 57 runs which came off 44 balls. Seb Gotch managed 31 off 25 balls helping the side to reach 140. The Thunder spinners played a massive part in drying down the run later in the innings of Stars. They held them for 147 runs in the 20 overs.

Usman Khawaja blasted 4 fours in the third over of the innings to provide a thunderous start to the run chase. He continued his assault and this time made the opposition skipper John Hasting his victim when he smashed 3 consecutive fours off his over. Jame Vince too played his part in the partnership as he too kept finding the rope regularly.

Khawaja fell for 44 runs which came in just 26 balls with the help of 9 boundaries. James Vince’s wicket in the 11th over would’ve brought some hope in the Stars’ side but Thunder skipper Shane Watson had other plans as the right-hander smoked 49 runs off just 28 deliveries and won the game for the side quite comfortably. With the victory, the Thunder’s have the chance to go to the play-off round.

Here are some of the best reactions that emerged on Twitter during the match:

Welcome to the Big Bash, Will Smith! #BBL07 pic.twitter.com/DLi7Hcmz4v

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 20, 2018

Without a lie, a cricket match was on Will Smith’s bucket list! The butler in Fresh Prince was a fan. @BBL the best introduction. And without a lie I may not wash my arm. #starstruck #BBL07 pic.twitter.com/wGt34puhHY

— Mel 'MJ' Jones (@meljones_33) January 20, 2018

I’m still in shock as to how Junior thought Will Smith was in the nutty professor ?‍♂️ @bowlologist straight onto it hahaha @tensporttv #BBL07

— Jono Dean (@JonoDean33) January 20, 2018

"When I saw him…I had to ask if I could do the Jazzy Jeff handshake" – @Uz_Khawaja on meeting Will Smith #BBL07 pic.twitter.com/Msh4pzHYQD

— TEN Sport (@tensporttv) January 20, 2018

How do you rate the moves from @bowlologist here? Looks like a bit of Nutbush City Limit ? #BBL07 pic.twitter.com/1CVKOwmImU

— TEN Sport (@tensporttv) January 20, 2018

Quick selfie with Will ? #BBL07 pic.twitter.com/csiQo8kkRO

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 20, 2018

6th loss in a row at the @MCG for @StarsBBL
Batted first in all 6, scores of
6-147
7-128
4-157
7-141
8-156
7-138
#BBL07 @ThunderBBL

— Swamp (@sirswampthing) January 20, 2018

Luke Wright retires from Stars
Most @BBL games for a single team
57 LUKE WRIGHT @StarsBBL
55 Nic Maddinson @SixersBBL
52 Moises Henriques @SixersBBL
50 Ben Cutting @HeatBBL
#BBL07

— Swamp (@sirswampthing) January 20, 2018

5th time @ThunderBBL & @StarsBBL have played at the @MCG@ThunderBBL have won 4 of them
@BBL #BBL07

— Swamp (@sirswampthing) January 20, 2018

Tonight’s POTM is Shane Watson, who led the way for the @ThunderBBL with bat and ball – smashing 49* off 28 and taking the key wicket of Dunk #BBL07 pic.twitter.com/VvL5jNgx5h

— TEN Sport (@tensporttv) January 20, 2018

Junior: I've been on the Wyong Race Club Board, the NRMA Board…
Flem: I'll tell you who's bored, @KP24 listening to your commentary ?
KP: ???#BBL07 pic.twitter.com/DVBfIGAlC2

— TEN Sport (@tensporttv) January 20, 2018

The catch success of 78% in the Big Bash League this season is the lowest ever in a BBL season. The previous low was 81% last season. #BBL07

— The Cricket Prof. (@CricProf) January 20, 2018

Shane Watson was all class with an unbeaten 49 off 28 balls with five fours and two sixes in the run chase to take home the KFC Player of the Match award! #BBL07 pic.twitter.com/zHYeSP8c3N

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 20, 2018