Short strikes Sixers, Lynnsanity hits Adelaide
A SLEW of Adelaide Strikers starred in their comprehensive victory over the Sydney Sixers on Wednesday night, as both sides turned out for the first time in BBL|12. Batting first at Adelaide Oval, Strikers allrounder Matt Short bashed a definitive 95-run partnership with the competition’s all-time leading run scorer Chris Lynn, before Henry Thornton and Rashid Khan got to work with the ball.
Things could have been much different for Short and the Strikers, after the opener was given out LBW in the second over. Though, in a historic moment, he enacted the BBL’s first ever successful DRS challenge to continue his innings and end up with 84 (53). The temporary dismissal would have been disastrous for Adelaide, given fellow opener Jake Weatherald was caught in front for one during the previous over.
Lynn’s debut in Strikers colours was an emphatic one, as the powerful hitter complied 41 (34), including two sixes. Adam Hose’s quickfire 40 (22) also helped prop up the home side’s total, which landed on a formidable 6-184 after 20 overs. Abbott (3-37) was the pick of the Sixers bowlers, while 19-year-old Afghan tweaker Izharulhaq Naveed nabbed 2-25.
Facing a steep chase, the Sixers lost two key wickets in the third over, as Henry Thornton struck to send Kurtis Patterson (9) and James Vince (0) packing within three balls. The likes of Josh Philippe (26), Moises Henriques (24), and Jordan Silk (36) attempted to steady the ship, but all fell to local favourite Rashid Khan as the asking rate climbed.
Thornton ended with impressive match-best figures of 4-20, while Khan’s 3-21 served a superfluous reminder of his remarkable talent. The Sixers were thus restricted to a measly 7-133, but batted out their full allotment of overs. The 51-run win was some form of vengeance for the Strikers having been beaten to last season’s decider by the Sixers in a thrilling Challenger Final.
The Sixers will look to bounce back quickly as they welcome Perth Scorchers to the fold in Perth on Saturday, while Adelaide faces a test against fellow victors Sydney Thunder on Tuesday, once again at home. Tonight, the Brisbane Heat and Melbourne Renegades lock horns at Cazalys Stadium in Cairns.
SCORECARD
RESULT: Adelaide Strikers (6-184) def. Sydney Sixers (7-133) by 51 runs
POTM: Matt Short (Adelaide Strikers) – 84 (53)
KEY PLAYERS
Adelaide Strikers:
Matt Short 84 (53), Chris Lynn 41 (34), Adam Hose 40 (22)
Henry Thornton 4-20, Rashid Khan 3-21, Peter Siddle 0-20
Sydney Sixers:
Sean Abbott 3-37, Izharulhaq Naveed 2-25, Stephen O’Keefe 1-27
Jordan Silk 36 (25), Josh Philippe 26 (23), Moises Henriques 24 (29)
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