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In the Eliminator match of the Big Bash League (BBL) | 14, Sydney Thunder defeated Melbourne Stars by 21 runs at the Sydney Showground Stadium, securing their place in the upcoming Challengers match. With a brilliant performance from Nathan McAndrew, who claimed five wickets, Thunder sealed a hard-fought win and advanced to face Sydney Sixers for a spot in the final.
Sydney Thunder’s decent total in a reduced overs contest
Melbourne Stars won the toss and elected to bowl first, a decision they hoped would work in their favor given the conditions. However, the game was reduced to 19 overs per side due to bad weather and lightning delays. Sydney Thunder managed to post a modest total of 135/7, a score they hoped would be competitive. Sydney Thunder’s innings was built around solid contributions from Matthew Gilkes and Oliver Davies. Gilkes score 28 runs off 18 balls, hitting 3 fours and 1 six. Davies played a steady knock, scorin♊g 36 off 35 balls with 2 fours and 1 six. Despite the late flurry of wickets, Thunder’s total of 135/7 was a challenging one, considering the weather-affected conditions.
The Melbourne Stars’ bowling attack was led by Tom Curran and Usama Mir, both of whom picked up two wickets each. Meanwhile, veteran Peter Siddle, captain Marcus Stoinis, and Doug Warren each claimed one 🎶wicket. Despite the best efforts of the bowlers, the Stars couldn’t quite contain Thunder’s lower order, and the target of 136 proved to be a tough one to cha𝄹se.
Also WATCH: Doug Warren’s ice-cold c🅘elebration aft༒er dismissing Sam Billings in the Eliminator of BBL|14
Nathan McAndrew’s heroic bowling steers Thunder to victory
Chasing 136, Melbourne Stars struggled from the outset. They were soon reduced to 114 all out in just 1🔴8 𝔉overs, falling short by 21 runs. Glenn Maxwell was the top scorer for the Stars, contributing 28 runs off 21 balls with 3 fours and 1 six. However, a flurry of wickets halted their p💯rogress, and they could not build partnerships to threaten Thunder’s total.
McAndrew delivered a match-winning performance with a career-best 5/16, the best bowling figures by a Sydney Thunder player in BBL history. His performance was the standout moment of the game, and he was deservedly named Player of the Match. Alongside McAndrew, Tanveer Sangha and Tom Andrews each took two wickets, with Chris Green adding a crucial scalp to his name as well. With the victory, Sydney Thunder secured their place in the Challengers match, where they will face Sydney Sixers in a crucial encounter to decide who will meet the Hobart Hurricanes in the final.
Home and hosed!
The moment the secur❀ed victory and a spot in The Challenger against the Sixers.
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL)
Here is how Twitter reacted:
Magnificent Spell. Career Best T20 Bowling figures for Nathan McAndrew 5/16 (Player of the Match). Sydney 🍌Thunder won by 21 Runs. Well played O Davies 36(35). Career Best T20 Bowling figures for Tom Andrews 2/20.
— JꦬaayShaan (VaidhyaJayaShankar) (@JaayShaan)
Nathan McAndrew finishes with 5/16, the best bowling figures by꧋ a Sydney Thunder playe𓂃r in BBL history.
— Nic Savage (@nic_savage1)
Thunder b🅺rilliant tonight well there will be a sydney team in final but which one will find out on friday weather permitting
— chജristopher crocker aleague 2023 cham⭕pions (@thecrock1)
RCB and Melbourne Stars both had exactly 100% similar year. Both had to win 5/5 matches to qualify, while being depended on others. Luck favours the Brave. They qualified. Fa🧜ns roꦆoted. First Qualifier round, Traumatic loss 🙁
— Chapla (@ChaplaDaSun)
tears man
Melbourne Stars successfully re-created the R🌱CB 2024😭✅️— D. 🇦🇷 (@cheekurat)
Melbourne Stars started their winning streak after a defeat against Sydney Thunder and their 5-match strea෴k ends againsꦜt the same team. Thunder defended 136 runs to win the knockout.
It'll be a Sydney derby to decide who faces Hobart in the BBL final.
— Omkar Mankame (@Oam_16)
Well done Nathan McAndrew proved again you are𒀰 the best fast bowler outsಌide the test squad deserves national honours
— Grant dabinett (@DabinettGrant)
When n𝄹athan mcandrew is bowling well the pitch h🍎as something in it
— Deepak (@Dextercool_5)
The are still alive in ⚡
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL)
Bril💮liant bowling performance from Sydney Thunder 🙌
— betvisa68.com (@CricketTimesHQ)
On to the next one ⚡️
See you at the SCG this Friday!!!
— Sydney Thunder (@ThunderBBL)