In the Eliminator match of the Big Bash League (BBL) | 14, Sydney Thunder defeated Melbourne Stars by 21 runs at the Sydney Showground Stadium, securing their place in the upcoming Challengers match. With a brilliant performance from Nathan McAndrew, who claimed five wickets, Thunder sealed a hard-fought win and advanced to face Sydney Sixers for a spot in the final.
Sydney Thunder’s decent total in a reduced overs contest
Melbourne Stars won the toss and elected to bowl first, a decision they hoped would work in their favor given the conditions. However, the game was reduced to 19 overs per side due to bad weather and lightning delays. Sydney Thunder managed to post a modest total of 135/7, a score they hoped would be competitive. Sydney Thunder’s innings was built around solid contributions from Matthew Gilkes and Oliver Davies. Gilkes score 28 runs off 18 balls, hitting 3 fours and 1 six. Davies played a steady knock, scoring 36 off 35 balls with 2 fours and 1 six. Despite the late flurry of wickets, Thunder’s total of 135/7 was a challenging one, considering the weather-affected conditions.
The Melbourne Stars’ bowling attack was led by Tom Curran and Usama Mir, both of whom picked up two wickets each. Meanwhile, veteran Peter Siddle, captain Marcus Stoinis, and Doug Warren each claimed one wicket. Despite the best efforts of the bowlers, the Stars couldn’t quite contain Thunder’s lower order, and the target of 136 proved to be a tough one to chase.
Also WATCH: Doug Warren’s ice-cold celebration after dismissing Sam Billings in the Eliminator of BBL|14
Nathan McAndrew’s heroic bowling steers Thunder to victory
Chasing 136, Melbourne Stars struggled from the outset. They were soon reduced to 114 all out in just 18 overs, falling short by 21 runs. Glenn Maxwell was the top scorer for the Stars, contributing 28 runs off 21 balls with 3 fours and 1 six. However, a flurry of wickets halted their progress, and they could not build partnerships to threaten Thunder’s total.
McAndrew delivered a match-winning performance with a career-best 5/16, the best bowling figures by a Sydney Thunder player in BBL history. His performance was the standout moment of the game, and he was deservedly named Player of the Match. Alongside McAndrew, Tanveer Sangha and Tom Andrews each took two wickets, with Chris Green adding a crucial scalp to his name as well. With the victory, Sydney Thunder secured their place in the Challengers match, where they will face Sydney Sixers in a crucial encounter to decide who will meet the Hobart Hurricanes in the final.
Home and hosed!
The moment the @ThunderBBL secured victory and a spot in The Challenger against the Sixers. #BBL14 pic.twitter.com/KPx1Yp7uX0
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 22, 2025
Here is how Twitter reacted:
Magnificent Spell. Career Best T20 Bowling figures for Nathan McAndrew 5/16 (Player of the Match). Sydney Thunder won #BBL14 #KnockOut by 21 Runs. Well played O Davies 36(35). Career Best T20 Bowling figures for Tom Andrews 2/20. #STvMS @NMcAndrew44 @ThunderBBL @copes9
— JaayShaan (VaidhyaJayaShankar) (@JaayShaan) January 22, 2025
Nathan McAndrew finishes with 5/16, the best bowling figures by a Sydney Thunder player in BBL history.#BBL14
— Nic Savage (@nic_savage1) January 22, 2025
Thunder brilliant tonight well there will be a sydney team in final but which one will find out on friday weather permitting #BBL14
— christopher crocker aleague 2023 champions (@thecrock1) January 22, 2025
RCB and Melbourne Stars both had exactly 100% similar year. Both had to win 5/5 matches to qualify, while being depended on others. Luck favours the Brave. They qualified. Fans rooted. First Qualifier round, Traumatic loss 🙁
— Chapla (@ChaplaDaSun) January 22, 2025
tears man
Melbourne Stars successfully re-created the RCB 2024😭✅️— D. 🇦🇷 (@cheekurat) January 22, 2025
Melbourne Stars started their winning streak after a defeat against Sydney Thunder and their 5-match streak ends against the same team. Thunder defended 136 runs to win the knockout.
It’ll be a Sydney derby to decide who faces Hobart in the BBL final.
— Omkar Mankame (@Oam_16) January 22, 2025
Well done Nathan McAndrew proved again you are the best fast bowler outside the test squad deserves national honours
— Grant dabinett (@DabinettGrant) January 22, 2025
When nathan mcandrew is bowling well the pitch has something in it
— Deepak (@Dextercool_5) January 22, 2025
The @ThunderBBL are still alive in #BBL14 ⚡ pic.twitter.com/eQjy9IetAY
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 22, 2025
Brilliant bowling performance from Sydney Thunder 🙌#Cricket #BBL14 #SydneyThunder pic.twitter.com/I7m4fpVVBi
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 22, 2025
On to the next one ⚡️
See you at the SCG this Friday!!! pic.twitter.com/HfXnUL9NNq
— Sydney Thunder (@ThunderBBL) January 22, 2025
Also READ: Twitter reactions: Hobart Hurricanes march into the final after defeating Sydney Sixers in BBL|14 Qualifier
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