IN THE always entertaining clash between the two Sydney-based sides in the Big Bash League, the Sixers have claimed a seven-wicket win over the Thunder at Sydney Showground Stadium on Sunday night.

Pace bowler Sean Abbott helped the Sixers rip through the opposition batting order, claiming stunning figures to hold the opposition to less than 135 runs after 20 overs, helping seal the match with an impressive final over.

The Thunder looked in extreme strife at the start of the first innings, with the scorecard reading 3/12 as a large chunk of their top order fell quite cheaply. However, a composed knock from Sam Whiteman at three steered his side back on track, as they fought back to set the total at 134, which would be tough to defend but better than the forecast earlier in the innings. It looked like it could have been a bigger result for the Thunder, especially when the Sixers were forced to bring an extra man up after not completing the innings in the allocated time. However, Abbott bowled masterfully and conceded just three runs off the final over.

The Sixers looked in just as much strife at the start of their time at the crease, with the top three in their batting lineup dismissed in single digits. However, Moises Henriques and Jordan Silk combined for a magnificent partnership to close out the innings in style, as their side took home a seven-wicket win with nearly four overs to spare, as they stormed to the top of the BBL standings in style.

Abbott was named the player of the match for an outstanding spell with ball in hand. He finished with figures of 3/9 from four overs, including a crucial final over where the Thunder could have boosted their score even further. He claimed the scalps of Alex Hales and Oliver Davies, both for ducks, helping the Sixers rip through the opposition batting lineup. Henriques (53 runs off 38 balls) and Silk (59 runs from 42 balls) were also vital.

Whiteman was a shining light for the Thunder, finishing with 42 runs off 34 balls, ensuring the Thunder remained in a defendable position. One highlight came in the form of Ben Cutting taking one of the catches of the summer to dismiss James Vince for just five runs. Along the boundary line, Cutting launched himself into the air to take a stunning catch, and celebrated in style.

SCORECARD

RESULT: Sydney Sixers (3/134) def. Sydney Thunder (8/133)
POTM: Sean Abbott (3/9)
TOSS: Sydney Sixers won the toss and opted to bowl

KEY PLAYERS

Sydney Sixers:
Jordan Silk (59 runs), Moises Henriques (53 runs)
Sean Abbott (3/9)

Sydney Thunder:
Sam Whiteman (42 runs), Alex Ross (34 runs)
Chris Green (2/29)