Sydney Thunder’s Thrilling Victory Over Melbourne Stars Highlights Key Performances
CricketPanditSydney Thunder triumphed over the Melbourne Stars by 21 runs in the Knockout at Engie Stadium, setting the stage for the third Sydney Smash of BBL14 on Friday in the Challenger at the SCG. Nathan McAndrew delivered a standout performance with career-best figures of 5 for 16, while the Thunder’s trio of spinners—Tanveer Sangha, Tom Andrews, and Chris Green—effectively restricted the Stars’ batters, conceding just 67 runs for five wickets on a challenging pitch. The Stars would likely feel frustrated with themselves after dropping four catches in the field.
Despite the pitch favoring spin and being slow, both captains opted to field first due to the overhead conditions. After choosing to bowl first, the Stars quickly dismissed David Warner for a duck. However, Matthew Gilkes countered from the other end during the PowerPlay until a brief lightning delay reduced the match to 19 overs per side.
Gilkes was dropped by Tom Curran off his own bowling, but the interruption affected his rhythm, and he was dismissed shortly after. New batsman Sam Billings managed to survive two chances on his way to 24, but just as he settled in, he was caught by Doug Warren at backward point. Oliver Davies, after a tough start of 24 balls, finally found his groove with a four and a six. The Stars fought back with two quick wickets, but Andrews and McAndrew secured vital boundaries in the final over, helping the hosts reach 135 for 7.
In reply, Sam Harper started with a powerful boundary but was soon bowled in the first over after an ill-advised scoop. Peter Handscomb survived a close call with a nick behind to Billings, as the Thunder chose not to appeal, but his luck ran out when he was struck on the pads by Andrews. This brought the in-form Glenn Maxwell to the crease, who, after a couple of cautious deliveries, reverse-swept Andrews for three fours before launching Sangha for a six. A few edges fell short of the Thunder fielders, but their persistence in bowling accurately paid off when Marcus Stoinis was caught at deep mid-wicket. Thunder made a strong comeback in the contest, taking back-to-back wickets of Maxwell and Curran, which effectively sealed the game for Sangha. Hilton Cartwright and Mark Steketee hit some crucial boundaries, giving the Stars a glimmer of hope, but they ultimately fell to McAndrew, allowing the Thunder to advance to the Challenger.
Brief Scores: Sydney Thunder 135/7 in 19 overs (Oliver Davies 36, Matthew Gilkes 28; Tom Curran 2-26, Usama Mir 2-26) beat Melbourne Stars 114 in 18 overs (Glenn Maxwell 28, Mark Steketee 18; Nathan McAndrew 5-16, Tom Andrews 2-20) by 21 runs. [Match reduced to 19 overs due to lightning]
