All-rounder Shane Watson scored a swift 55 off 31 balls to inspire Sydney Thunder to a six-wicket win over Hobart Hurricanes in their Big Bash League clash on Sunday. This proved to be their second win of the tournament so far.
Batting first, Hobart Hurricanes lost two quick wickets in a span of 10 balls. George Bailey and Ben McDermott then took charge for the hosts. Before the pair could pile up runs, McDermott fell short by yards as he was run-out on 31, leaving Hobart at 56 for three in eight overs.
Joined by Daniel Christian, Bailey found a reliable partner in him. His plans were later cut-short when Carlos Brathwaite dismissed Christian to pick up his maiden BBL wicket.
Struggling to find the gaps early on, Bailey compensated with some lusty blows in later part of his innings and guided Hobart to a decent score of 161 for eight. He, thus, remained unbeaten on 66.
Coming off from their first win of the season against Melbourne Stars, Thunder were off to a good start, as they reached 60 runs in the power-play. Pacer Stuart Broad then broke the partnership on 62, removing Patterson for 23. Making his debut on the other hand, England’s James Vince was impressive in beginning but couldn’t convert his start into a fifty, as he was dismissed on 44.
Shane Watson, who went wicket-less in his spell, showed some traces of his class by whacking five massive sixes and two boundaries in his 31-ball 55 before edging one past to the keeper off Christian’s delivery. Hobart had got the big fish, but the damage was already done.
In couple of overs from then, Thunder registered a comfortable win over Hurricanes with 19 balls remaining to keep their hopes alive of finishing in top four.