Twitter Reactions: Sydney Thunder finally halt Perth Scorchers' six-match winning streak in BBL 2021-22

Half-centuries from Sam Billings and Jason Sangha helped Sydney Thunder defeat Perth Scorchers in the 24th match of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2021-22. It was Scorchers’ first loss in the tournament after winning six games on the trot. Thunder made 200 runs while batting first and the bowlers restricted Scorchers to a total of 166 runs.

The Scorchers won the toss and elected to bowl. Matthew Gilkes and Alex Hales opened the innings for the Thunder. Matthew Kelly didn’t allow the openers to settle in as he dismissed Gilkes for just two runs in the second over. In the fourth over, Kelly picked the wicket of Hales. Sam Billings and Jason Sangha added 113 runs for the third wicket and it looked like Thunder was targeting a big total.

However, Andrew Tye dismissed Billings for a score of 67 runs off 35 deliveries in the 15th over and then the Thunder lost a couple of wickets in the next few overs. But, Sangha kept the scoreboard moving and completed his half-century in the 18th over. His innings of 56* runs off 46 deliveries helped Thunder post a total of 200 runs for the loss of seven wickets in 20 overs.

Perth Scorchers couldn’t recover from early setbacks

Kurtis Patterson and Josh Inglis opened the innings for the Scorchers. Saqib Mahmood dismissed Inglis on the second ball of the innings for a duck. In the fourth over, Nathan McAndrew dismissed Mitchell Marsh and Kurtis Patterson to leave them reeling at 17/3.

McAndrew struck again in the 7th over as he dismissed Ashton Turner for 13 runs. Colin Munro, who held one end kept trying his best to take Scorchers towards the target. But, he didn’t receive enough support from the other end. Tye did make 44 runs off 25 deliveries before getting dismissed in the 19th over, but it was very late by then.

Munro made an unbeaten 64 off 43 deliveries as Perth could only reach 166 runs to lose their first game of the season. Sam Billings won the player of the match award for his scintillating knock with the bat.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

'WOWWW'! What a way to bring up your second half century of #BBL11

Sam Billings with a BKT Golden Moment on the roof! pic.twitter.com/CdeXdSjXe2

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 28, 2021

Billings 67
England XI 68
🤔

— Chris Wheeldon (@TheWheelDon) December 28, 2021

We interrupt this coaches' interview with a glorious Sam Billings 6️⃣! #BBL11 pic.twitter.com/906lkIn8e9

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 28, 2021

Sam Billings in Big Bash 2021-22:

45*(36)
43(31)
9(19)
64(27)
9(6)
67(35)

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 28, 2021

@ChennaiIPL, Bring back @sambillings Thambi Sambi 🦁💛

— The Weirdo. (@ScubyDuhh) December 28, 2021

Sam billings excellent captain and a good wicket keeper and can bat too improved his all round game last few years

— Shane Robinson (@shanerobinson81) December 28, 2021

Two brilliant fifties from Jason Sangha and Sam Billings steered Sydney Thunder to a 34-run victory.

Perth Scorchers' winning streak in the ongoing Big Bash League comes to an end now.#BBL #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/YXbmfrgFMc

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) December 28, 2021

With the way @sambillings is batting in BBL with proper cricketing shots, I guess he should be added to the #ashes squad if there is a possibility.
A chance to experiment in the remaining dead rubbers! #billings #england

— HK (@imh_k_) December 28, 2021

Jason Sangha has been a real find. He has a lovely technique. The blend of experience and youth is exciting. I was in the Test squad twice last summer. I haven't played a lot despite being in a lot of bio bubbles. I get valued in this environment and love playing for Thunder.

— 🏏FlashScore Cricket Commentators (@FlashCric) December 28, 2021

HOW DID JASON SANGHA HOLD ONTO THAT!! Especially with Gilkes basically a trip hazard behind him #BBL11

— Davis Harrigan (Digi) 🏏 (@DeadlineDavis) December 28, 2021

The Mexican wave is going around and when it got to us Jason sangha is in front of us and put his arms up with us 😂😂😂😂

— Emily (@Emilyrenee_13) December 28, 2021

Jason Sangha is having a good time in the BBL this year. In his three outings, he has made: 39,47,56*. #BBL11

— Arpit Rastogi (@arptrastogi) December 28, 2021