The 33rd match of the Big Bash League saw a comprehensive bowling performance from Sydney Thunder, who defeated Perth Scorchers by a convincing margin of 61 runs. The match played at the Sydney Showground Stadium, was a one-sided affair as Thunder’s collective bowling effort and Tom Andrews’ explosive lower-order batting propelled them to a dominant win.
Tom Andrews’ explosive knock
Perth Scorchers won the toss and decided to bowl first, looking to chase a target on what seemed like a decent batting surface. However, the Scorchers’ bowling attack struggled to contain the Thunder batters throughout the innings. Sydney Thunder managed to post a total of 158/7 in their 20 overs, with the top score coming from Sam Konstas.
Konstas played a vital knock of 53 off 42 balls, featuring 5 fours and 2 sixes, anchoring the innings at the top. The real fireworks came from Tom Andrews, who put on an electrifying display in the lower order. He blazed his way to a rapid 37 off just 13 balls, striking 3 fours and 3 sixes. His explosive cameo ensured that Thunder reached a competitive total despite a modest start. The Scorchers’ bowlers toiled hard, but they failed to stop the momentum that Andrews generated.
Lance Morris was the pick of the bowlers for the Scorchers, taking 3 wickets in his 4-over spell. However, it was a performance that didn’t yield enough wickets to halt the Thunder’s charge. Other bowlers including Aston Agar, Cooper Connolly, Matthew Spoors and Jason Behrendorff each took one wicket but were unable to create a significant impact on the total.
Perth Scorchers’ batting collapse
Chasing a challenging target of 159, Perth Scorchers’ batting lineup faltered under pressure. They were bowled out for a meagre 97 in just 20 overs. Aaron Hardie top-scored for the Scorchers with 22 runs off 17 balls, including 1 four and 2 sixes. Despite his effort, the Scorchers could not build partnerships, with none of the other batters able to provide significant resistance.
Sydney Thunder’s bowlers were on top throughout the chase. Mohammad Hasnain, Tom Andrews, and Tanveer Sangha each took a wicket, while Nathan McAndrew claimed 2 wickets. However, the standout performance came from Chris Green, who produced a match-winning spell, taking 3 wickets for just 22 runs in his 4 overs. His control in the middle overs ensured that the Scorchers were never able to recover. Andrews’ all-round brilliance earned him the Player of the Match award. His quickfire 37 with the bat and a crucial wicket with the ball played a significant role in Thunder’s victory. With this dominant victory by 61 runs, the Thunder secured their spot in the playoffs, marking a significant achievement in their Big Bash League campaign.
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Here is how fans on X reacted:
Sydney Thunder won by 61 Runs. What a Performance Tom Andrews 37*(13) & 1/20 (Player of the Match) and Chris Green 20*(16) & 3/13. Excellent Knock Sam Konstas 53(42). Well bowled N McAndrew 2/21.@ThunderBBL #BBL14 #STvPS @chrisgreen_93 @NMcAndrew44
— JaayShaan (VaidhyaJayaShankar) (@JaayShaan) January 13, 2025
Well done to the Sydney Thunder and especially the BBL for this win. Could tell the BBL really enjoyed the win with the one sided posts tonight. #BBL14
— Alex Sar #DonTheSash (@alexmatthewsar) January 13, 2025
Tom Andrews MOM for mine
His hitting late on won it
If we score 125, Perth bat differently and chip it away
Brilliant knock to set it up
— Casual Dan (@suthodan) January 13, 2025
insipid season from the Perth Scorchers. maybe the West Coast Eagles will do better 😂 my pattern is that when one does shit the other does better 😂
— lucas (@lukyydukes) January 13, 2025
Really surprised how shithouse Perth Scorchers are this season.
Had some injuries but the team still looks strong enough to be very competitive but now they’re gawn.
— Johnny (Brackets) (@Johns_Analytics) January 13, 2025
Perth Scorchers in BBL and MI in IPL are going similar way..
Losing steam gradually…
— Pursuing Happiness (@ravifrc15) January 13, 2025
Tom Andrews 🐐
— ً (@DSK247g) January 13, 2025
Perth Scorchers set to miss the finals for the first time in years. Sydney Thunder are through. Spotless Stadium the perfect ground for their spinners to wreak havoc which they have today. #BBL14
— CricBlog ✍ (@cric_blog) January 13, 2025
See you in the #BBL14 FINALS ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/ZUdSurpK7E
— Sydney Thunder (@ThunderBBL) January 13, 2025
Brilliant bowling performance from Sydney Thunder ⚡#cricket #BBL14 #SydneyThunder #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/GmHUlo7Q7m
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 13, 2025
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