Sherfane Rutherford's fiery knock in the final over against Sydney Thunder gave them a nail-biting four-wicket win against Perth Scorchers in their 2024-25 Big Bash League match at Perth Stadium. In a back-and-forth game, Rutherford's late fireworks sealed the Thunder's third straight win, moving them into second place on the points table.
Finn Allen blasts the Scorchers to a competitive total
Perth Scorchers, led by their explosive opener Finn Allen, posted a challenging 177/4 after winning the toss. Allen wasted no time in attacking the Sydney Thunder bowlers, racing to 68 from just 31 balls. His innings, studded with six boundaries and five towering sixes, laid a strong foundation for the hosts.
Allen found early support from Matty Hurst, who contributed a steady 23 before falling to Chris Green. However, once Allen left, the Scorchers' middle order faltered. Green's double strike – dismissing Allen and skipper Ashton Turner for a duck – sparked a mini-collapse as the Scorchers slipped from 102/1 to 110/4 in quick time.
Cooper Connolly and Nick Hobson then steadied the ship with an unbeaten partnership of 67 runs. Connolly top scored with 43* off 31 balls while Hobson added 21* off 17 to push the Scorchers to a competitive total.
Warner and Gilkes lead the Thunder's Chase
Chasing 178, Sydney Thunder suffered an early blow when Blake Nikitaras fell for just one run. However, captain David Warner took charge, putting on an 89-run partnership with Matthew Gilkes to put the Thunder on the front foot.
Both scored quick 40s, with Warner just short of a half-century. His 49 off 33 balls included five boundaries and two sixes as Gilkes contributed a strong 40 balls before being stumped by Cooper Connolly's wide delivery.
Just when the Thunder seemed to be in control, the Scorchers hit back. Jason Behrendorff and Lance Morris struck quickly, removing Oliver Davies and Warner to reduce the visitors to 113/4.
Rutherford takes charge in a thrilling finish
Enter Sherfane Rutherford. The West Indies all-rounder took the game by the scruff of the neck, smashing boundaries at will to keep the Thunder in the hunt.
Needing 12 games in the final, Rutherford faced experienced campaigner Andrew Tye. Unfazed by the pressure, he smashed three boundaries in the over. That included a fourth ball off the over to get the Thunder over the line.
Rutherford's unbeaten 39 off 19 balls included five fours and a six.
Debutant Hugh Weibgen also played a crucial role in the chase. The young striker hit a six during his six-ball stay, finishing with an unbeaten 9*.
With this win, Sydney Thunder have now won three games on the trot. They have jumped to second place in the BBL points table.
Stay updated with all the cricket action, follow Cricadium IN WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, telegram AND Instagram
Source link