Adelaide Strikers ended their Big Bash League campaign on a high by thrashing defending champions Sydney Thunder by six wickets in their final match.
Needing a win to keep their hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals alive, Thunder skipper Shane Watson decided to chase. However, his decision did not look like a wise one as the Strikers posted a huge 178/5 in their 20 overs. Tim Ludeman (13) was dismissed cheaply but Ben Dunk (65 from 40) and Brad Hodge (39) had set the tone for their team with a 92-run partnership for the second wicket. Dunk and Hodge were dismissed in quick succession but Kieron Pollard took the Strikers to a good total by posting his highest score of this season. The West Indies all-rounder scored 47 off just 22 balls with the help of five sixes.
In reply, Thunder batsmen came a cropper against the spin of New Zealand tweaker Ish Sodhi as he took six wickets for only 11 runs to dismantle the defending champions. Apart from Kurtis Patterson and Watson, none of the Thunder player could get to the double-digit mark as they folded out for a paltry 101 in the 16th over.
Here is how Twitter reacted to the match:
Well the green bat didn't work #bbl06
— Cricketmemes_ (@Cricketmemes2) January 18, 2017
Sydney Thunder. From the penthouse to the outhouse in the space of 12 months. Fair effort, that. #BBL06 #ThunderNation
— Paul Jobber (@paul_jobber23) January 18, 2017
The @ThunderBBL middle order… #BBL06 pic.twitter.com/WJlKLCyOWd
— Ladbrokes.com.au (@ladbrokescomau) January 18, 2017
One of these teams are playing for a spot in the finals. You wouldn't guess who #bbl06
— Cricketmemes_ (@Cricketmemes2) January 18, 2017
Wow ???? @StrikersBBL have uncovered a gem in @ish_sodhi ? take a bow ???? #BBL06 #6fa #whichwaywillitgo #contracthim
— Megan Schutt (@megan_schutt) January 18, 2017
WICKET! GAME, SET, MATCH!
6-11 with three balls left, Ish Sodhi…what a PERFORMANCE! #BBL06
— Adelaide Strikers (@StrikersBBL) January 18, 2017
Ridiculous display of legspin bowling from @ish_sodhi 6/11 ??? our chat in the middle of the MCG must of helped ? #BBL06
— Amanda Wellington (@amandajadew) January 18, 2017
How good was @ish_sodhi tonight, absolute superstar
— Colin Munro (@manuz05) January 18, 2017
#BBL06 Adelaide Strikers have made 5/178 from their 20 overs. Ben Dunk. Brad Hodge and Kieron Pollard leading the way
— Some Sports Channels Ain't What They Used to Be (@crowdiegal) January 18, 2017
Speaking of overrated operators – good to see Kieron Pollard finally fire up in a dead rubber. Bit late now big fella. #BBL06
— The Bont is God (@TheBontIsGod) January 18, 2017
@StrikersBBL Wondering what does pollard eat daily to hit sixes such easily ?? @KieronPollard55
— Siddartha Varma (@SiddarthaVarmaD) January 18, 2017