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Adelaide Strikers have continued their dominance in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) 2022-23 with a comfortable six-wicket win against Sydney Thunder on Tuesday. This was the Strikers’ third consecutive win, and they are sitting right at the top of the points table.
Chasing 151, the Strikers got off to a terrible start losing their opener Jake Weatherald (7), when the team’s score read 9 in 2.1 overs. Before the Thunder could add more pressure, Matthew Short inspired the Strikers’ comeback with a remarkable batting display.
Short kept the scoreboard ticking and found boundaries to ensure the run-rate stayed within Strikers’ reach. He added 83 runs for the second wicket with Chris Lynn before the latter was cleaned up by Nathan McAndrew for 28.
Short, meanwhile, smashed a brilliant half-century and was looking to take his team over the finish line with ease, but McAndrew once again came to rescue the Thunders and got rid of Short for a well-made 65 from 44 deliveries, including three fours and five sixes. Eventually, Adam Hose took the team over the finish line with his unbeaten 28-run knock.
Earlier, the Thunder, after opting to bat first, posted 150/5 in their allotted 20 overs, thanks to a scintillating knock by opener Alex Hales. The English cricketer went on to smash 68 from 50 deliveries, with the help of six fours and three sixes.
Hales formed a brilliant partnership of 63 runs for the third wicket Oliver Davies before Colin de Grabdhomme broke the stand by dismissing Hales. Davies scored a crucial 42-run knock from just 30 balls, including two fours and a maximum. For Strikers, De Grandhomme (2/27) and Henry Thornton (2/18) picked up two wickets each.
Here is how Twitter reacted:
That's three in a row to kick off our #BBL12 campaign! ✅✅✅ #StrikeShow pic.twitter.com/BKzvjqycEo
— Adelaide Strikers (@StrikersBBL) December 20, 2022
What a start to the season he's having!@KFCAustralia | #BBL12 pic.twitter.com/fpFuCnVWAm
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 20, 2022
The Strikers are absolutely rolling in #bbl12!
Love what Dizzy Gillespie and the team have done.
Hose looks a smart recruit, CDG doing a job and 2-3 bowlers standing up every game.
Strong side with Carey and Head to return too.
— Tim Michell (@tim_michell) December 20, 2022
Alex Hales averaged 48.33 at Adelaide Oval in T20 cricket going into this match.
It’s his best average for any ground he has played 10 or more matches. #BBL12
— Lachlan McKirdy (@LMcKirdy7) December 20, 2022
https://twitter.com/jardinmondial/status/1605141564405448704
I would love to see Matthew Short in the IPL. #BBL12 #IPL2023Auction
— Eden Kasukar (@CaptainEden25) December 20, 2022
Was getting worried about Strikers but then I remembered Matt Short exists
— Hayley (@Hayleyyemma) December 20, 2022
Sydney Thunders have scored 10 times more runs than they scored in the last match against Adelaide Strikers.
-15/10 in the last match.
-150/5 today#BBL12— Himanshu Pareek (@Sports_Himanshu) December 20, 2022
Sydney Thunders against Adelaide Strikers
on 16th December: 15/10
on 20th December: 150/5— Adish (@AdishOne1) December 20, 2022
Thunder improved 1000% on Friday night's performance but still probably not enough. Strikers chasing 151. #BBL12 #BBLS12E09
— Rick Eyre on cricket (@rickeyrecricket) December 20, 2022
Alex Hales v Adelaide Strikers🏏
-68 runs
-50 balls
-6 fours
-3 sixesThe Englishman finishes as the top scorer for Sydney Thunder in their bout with Adelaide Strikers'🔥
📸: EPA/DAVE HUNT pic.twitter.com/0AO9CokdMU
— Hollywoodbets UK & Ireland (@HWbetsUKIRE) December 20, 2022
Matt Short has massive shoulders #BBL12
— Chaos (@Chaos_098) December 20, 2022
What fabulous batting from M short GO THE STRIKERS🏏🏏🏏🏏🏏🏏🏏🏏🏏🏏🏏
— KylieJohns86Crows (@KylieCrows86) December 20, 2022
https://twitter.com/Sam849329/status/1604802757504163840
Matt Short you star.#BBL12 pic.twitter.com/8qhu6ZWoDV
— Lachlan Dand 🇦🇺 (@LDand_13) December 20, 2022
That's Adelaide Strikers 💙 !!! For you, congratulations on the second win against Sydney Thunders ⚡ #bbl12 #bbl2022
— Zain Ali (زین علی) (@zamcw) December 20, 2022