THU VS STR MATCH 37

Right then, that’s it from this one-sided contest but there’s plenty more action coming your way in the Big Bash League as we head to the business end of the season. The Melbourne Stars will take on the Hobart Hurricanes at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne. That game of the day will start at 1.45 pm IST (8.15 am GMT). But as you know, you can always join in early for the build-up. Until then, goodbye and cheers!

Lloyd Pope is the Player of the Match for his fine spell. He is in for the chat and says that he still doesn't know why Matthew Short brought him back in the 19th over but he praised the innings of his skipper who has played exceptionally through the season. Shares that he feels great from the bowling perspective. Adds that he got into the team pretty quickly and is familiar with the boys, having a fun time. Ends by saying that he is looking forward to the finals.

Time for the post-match presentation...

Earlier in the game, the Thunder posted a below-par score of 140 on the back of a handy 43 from Alex Hales while the rest of the batters failed to deliver. Llyod Pope and Jamie Overton starred with the ball for the Strikers by picking seven wickets among them. The Thunder have slumped to their seventh loss of the season and remain at the bottom of the pile.

The Sydney Thunder did not have a huge score to defend and the bowlers failed to give them an early breakthrough. Tanveer Sangha picked up the solitary wicket of D'Arcy Short while Chris Green was economical. The rest of the attack was taken to the cleaners as the Strikers romped home with more than 20 balls to spare in a commanding run chase. This huge win seals the spot of the Adelaide Strikers for the finals.

A clinical run-chase by the Adelaide Strikers sees them defeat the Sydney Thunder by a massive margin of 9 wickets and with 23 balls to spare. Chasing a modest score of 141 for the win, the two openers Matthew Short and D'Arcy Short gave their team a solid start. The duo added 57 for the first wicket setting a solid platform for their side. D'Arcy Short was the only batter to be dismissed in the innings as he made his way to a 17-ball 15. Jake Weatherald joined Matthew Short in the middle and the duo continued to pepper the Thunder bowling all around the park. Jake Weatherald carried on his fine form from the last game and made another handy score of 47* off 31 in a winning cause while the Strikers skipper belted 74* off 49 to close out the game and win comfortably at the end.

LEG BYE! Game. Set. Match! Full and on the leg peg. Matthew Short clips it off the pad and past the keeper for an extra and that will be it for the Adelaide Strikers. They win by a thumping margin of 9 wickets and with 23 balls to spare and qualify for the finals.

WIDE! Fuller delivery, but down the leg side. Short tries to flick it but misses and this is called a wide.

FOUR! Beautiful use of the wrist! Fuller delivery around off. Jake Weatherald opens his stance and opens the bat surface to slice it over the point fielder for a boundary. The fielder tries to chase the ball but the ball is too fast for him.

Short delivery on middle and leg. Jake Weatherald holds back and blocks it back to the bowler.

Quicker delivery, fuller outside off. Jake Weatherald tries to cut it but gets beaten on the outer edge.

WIDE! Much fuller down the leg. Jake Weatherald tries to work it to his leg side but misses.

Fuller delivery around off. Short drives it towards long off for a single.

Fuller delivery wide outside off. Jake Weatherald sits and slices it up in the air over the point fielder. Good cover up fielding at the deep as he dives to his right and saves the boundary. Tripple taken in between.

Fuller delivery on leg. Short comes down the ground and drives it towards long on for an easy single.

Slower delivery again, on middle and fuller. Jake Weatherald swats it to the deep square leg for a brace. 12 runs needed off 30 balls.