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Sydney Thunder 183 for 8 (Konstas 56, Sams 42, Overton 2-28) beat Adelaide Strikers 182 for 8 (Overton 45, Weatherald 40, Ferguson 3-24, Green 3-27) by two wickets**
Late fireworks from Daniel Sams and a record-breaking debut from Sam Konstas orchestrated a thrilling comeback victory for Sydney Thunder over Adelaide Strikers in the BBL clash at Manuka Oval, Canberra. Under the new leadership of David Warner, the Thunder chased down 183 with just two balls to spare, breaking their five-match losing streak against the Strikers.
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Konstas Shines with Record-Breaking Debut
In perfect batting conditions, all eyes were on the Thunder’s opening duo of David Warner and 19-year-old Sam Konstas, a rising star touted as Australia’s next big batting hope.
While Warner fell early for a modest score after a leading edge to Henry Thornton, Konstas stole the show with a breathtaking 56 off 27 balls. In doing so, Konstas became:
- The youngest player in BBL history to score a half-century.
- The holder of the fastest 50 in Thunder’s history.
Konstas lit up the stadium with audacious shots, including scoops, reverse sweeps, and a massive six over deep midwicket off Thornton. He played with composure well beyond his years, showcasing why he is being touted as a future star. His innings came to an end when he was trapped lbw by Fabian Allen, but his knock provided the early impetus Thunder desperately needed.
Sams Turns the Game with Power-Hitting Masterclass
Thunder’s chase lost momentum after Konstas’ dismissal, and with 33 runs required off the final two overs, the match seemed all but lost. Enter Daniel Sams, who turned the game on its head with a stunning 19th-over assault.
Facing legspinner Lloyd Pope, Sams smashed:
- Three sixes and three boundaries in a 31-run over, completely flipping the script.
Sams’ brutal hitting proved decisive as he finished unbeaten on 42 off 18 balls. He sealed the win in the last over with a boundary off Jamie Overton, delivering a pulsating two-wicket victory for Thunder.
Strikers’ Bowling Hampered by Allen’s Injury
Strikers’ debutant Fabian Allen made an impact with the ball, dismissing Konstas and bowling two tidy overs for just 10 runs. However, his BBL debut turned sour after a hamstring injury while diving to stop a boundary near the ropes. Allen limped off, leaving the Strikers’ bowling attack shorthanded at the death.
His absence forced captain Matt Short to turn to Lloyd Pope in the 19th over—a decision that proved costly and ultimately decided the game.
Ferguson Shines, Spin Twins Deliver for Thunder
New Zealand quick Lockie Ferguson made a stellar BBL debut for Thunder, finishing with figures of 3 for 24. Ferguson bowled with fiery pace, rattling the stumps with precision deliveries that dismissed Matt Short, James Bazley, and Harry Nielsen.
Thunder’s spin duo of Chris Green and Tanveer Sangha further tightened the screws, combining for 5 for 54 in eight overs. Green, freed from captaincy duties, delivered an exceptional spell, picking up key wickets, including Weatherald, Lynn, and Nielsen.
Strikers’ Fightback Falls Short
Despite a middle-order collapse, Adelaide Strikers fought back late in their innings, courtesy of:
- Jake Weatherald’s 40 (19 balls), which included two sixes and aggressive stroke play.
- Jamie Overton’s explosive 45 not out, featuring four sixes.
- James Bazley’s cameo of 31 off 12 balls during the Power Surge, which boosted Strikers to a competitive total of 182 for 8.
The Strikers’ fightback looked to have set up a match-winning total until Daniel Sams’ late heroics turned the game Thunder’s way.
Key Highlights
- Sam Konstas’ Historic Debut: Youngest player to hit a BBL half-century.
- Daniel Sams’ Finish: 42* off 18 balls, including a 31-run 19th over.
- Lockie Ferguson’s Bowling: 3 for 24 in his debut BBL match.
- Chris Green’s Impact: Three key top-order wickets.
What’s Next
Sydney Thunder will look to build on this thrilling win as they continue their BBL campaign under David Warner’s leadership. Meanwhile, Adelaide Strikers, under new coach Tim Paine, will aim to regroup quickly and address their death-bowling concerns as they search for their first win of the season.
With such electrifying performances and young talents emerging, the BBL promises more high-octane drama in the matches to come.
