In the Eliminator tournament of Big Bash League (BBL) | 14, Sydney Thunder defeated Melbourne Stars and 21 runs at the Sydney Showground Stadium, securing their place in the upcoming Challengers tournament. I am doing very well from there Nathan McAndrewwho took five wickets, the Thunder sealed the win against the odds and won Sydney Sixers for the last place.
Full score for Sydney Thunder in the reduced competition
Melbourne Stars won the toss and elected to bowl first, a decision they hoped would work for them under the circumstances. However, the match was reduced to 19 overs each side due to bad weather and lightning delays. Sydney Thunder managed to post a modest total of 135/7, which they hoped would be competitive. Sydney Thunder's innings was built around solid contributions from Matthew Gilkes and Oliver Davies. Gilkes scored 28 runs from 18 balls, hitting 3 fours and 1 six. Davies knocked consistently, scoring 36 off 35 balls with 2 fours and 1 six. Despite the late wickets, the Thunder's 135/7 was difficult, considering the weather conditions.
The Melbourne Stars bowling attack was led by Tom Curran and Usama Mirboth picked up two wickets each. Meanwhile, veteran Peter Siddlecaptain Marcus Stoinisand Doug Warren each took one wicket. Despite the bowlers' best efforts, the Stars could not contain the Thunder's low order, and the target of 136 proved difficult to chase down.
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Nathan McAndrew's heroic bowling lead the Thunder to victory
Chasing 136, Melbourne Stars struggled from the start. They were soon reduced 114 all out in just 18 overs, short of 21 runs. Glenn Maxwell was the top scorer for Stars, he scored 28 runs from 21 balls with four fours and 1 six. However, a glut of wickets halted their progress, and they could not form a partnership to threaten the Thunder's tally.
McAndrew had a fantastic performance of 5/16, the best performance by a Sydney Thunder player in BBL history. His performance was the best moment of the game, and he was named Player of the Match. Along with McAndrew, Tanveer Sangha and Tom Andrews each took two wickets, and Chris Green and add an important title to his name. With the win, the Sydney Thunder secured their place in the Challengers playoffs, where they will face the Sydney Sixers in a crucial play-off match. The Hobart storm in the final.
Home and have fun!
Immediately @ThunderBBL earned a win and a spot in The Challenger against the Sixers. #BBL14 pic.twitter.com/KPx1Yp7uX0
– KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 22, 2025
Here's how Twitter did it:
Beautiful Spell. Career Best T20 Bowling Stats for Nathan McAndrew 5/16 (Player of the Match). Sydney Thunder won #BBL14 # Drop it on 21 Run. Well played O Davies 36(35). Career Best T20 Bowling Statistics for Tom Andrews 2/20. #STvMS @NMcAndrew44 @ThunderBBL @kubamba9
– JaayShaan (VaidhyaJayaShankar) (@JaayShaan) January 22, 2025
Nathan McAndrew finished with 5/16, the best bowling figures by a Sydney Thunder player in BBL history.#BBL14
– Nic Savage (@nic_savage1) January 22, 2025
Thunder brilliant this evening will be the Sydney team in the final but will find out on Friday weather permitting #BBL14
– christopher crocker aleague winners 2023 (@thecrock1) January 22, 2025
RCB and Melbourne Stars both had a similar 100% year. Both have to win 5/5 matches to qualify, while relying on others. Fortune favors the brave. They qualified. The fans are settled. First qualifying round, terrible loss 🙁
— Chapla (@ChaplaDaSun) January 22, 2025
tears man
Melbourne Stars made RCB 2024 again 😭 ✅️– D. 🇦🇷 (@cheekurat) January 22, 2025
Melbourne Stars started their streak with a loss against Sydney Thunder and their 5-match streak ends against the same team. The Thunder defended 136 runs to win.
It will be a Sydney derby to decide who will face Hobart in the BBL final.
— Omkar Mankame (@Oam_16) January 22, 2025
Well done Nathan McAndrew has proven once again that you are the fastest player outside of the practice squad who deserves national honors
— Grant dabinett (@DabinettGrant) January 22, 2025
When nathan mcandrew plays well the pitch has something
– Deepak (@Dextercool_5) January 22, 2025
The @ThunderBBL he is still alive #BBL14 ⚡ pic.twitter.com/eQjy9IetAY
– KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 22, 2025
Great bowling performance from Sydney Thunder 🙌#Cricket #BBL14 #SydneyThunder pic.twitter.com/I7m4fpVVBi
– CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 22, 2025
Go to the next one ⚡️
See you at the SCG this Friday!!! pic.twitter.com/HfXnUL9NNq
— Sydney Thunder (@ThunderBBL) January 22, 2025