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In a thrilling encounter at Manuka Oval, the Sydney Thunder faced off against the Adelaide Strikers in the 37th match of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2023-24. The Strikers ended up registering a crucial win and secured their place in the playoffs.
Lloyd Pope shines with the ball
Opting to bat after winning the toss, the Thunder set a target of 141 runs for the Strikers. The Thunder’s innings saw contributions from Alex Hales (43 off 32), and Chris Green (19 off 12). However, the standout performer for the Strikers with the ball was leg-spinner Lloyd Pope, who took an impressive 4 wickets for 22 runs in his 3 overs. Jamie Overton also made an impact, claiming 3 wickets for 26 runs in his 3.2 overs. The Thunder was eventually bowled out for 140 in 19.2 overs.
Matthew Short exhibits top-class batting
Chasing a moderate target, the Adelaide Strikers delivered a commanding performance. Matthew Short played a sensational innings, scoring 74 runs off 49 deliveries, including 4 fours and 4 sixes. His partnership with Jake Weatherald (47 off 31) and D’Arcy Short (15 off 17) ensured the Strikers reached the target with ease. The Strikers finished at 144/1 in just 16.1 overs.
Pope continued to make an impact, not just with the ball but also with the bat, steering the Strikers to victory. In the bowling department, Pope’s spell of 4 wickets for 22 runs was pivotal in restricting the Thunder. Overton and Cameron Boyce also contributed with the ball, securing crucial wickets. In the end, the Adelaide Strikers emerged victorious, winning the match by 9 wickets.
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Here is how Twitter reacted:
The @StrikersBBL book their ticket to finals! 🔒#BBL13 pic.twitter.com/BU1unh8Ucb
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 14, 2024
If this form persists, Matthew Short is on the cusp of generational wealth via the riches of global T20 leagues. #BBL13
— Roy Hobbs (@roy_hobbsNYK) January 14, 2024
"Matthew Short in BBL is like a run machine."#BBL13 pic.twitter.com/Gb0MR8wly6
— Flash (@F1ash369) January 14, 2024
Lloyd Pope got three wickets in four bowls.
And he got all the wickets as bowled. You need to see to believe it.😮#BBL13 #PAKvsNZ #BabarAzam #INDvsENG #INDvAFG #Iftikhar #Rizwan #Cricket #CricketTwitterpic.twitter.com/9hYu3eZmo2
— Sujeet Suman (@sujeetsuman1991) January 14, 2024
If you're watching this tweet and into cricket then just look for #MatthewShort scores in #BBL#sydneythundersvsAdelaideStrikers
— Rishabh (@xaptaindc) January 14, 2024
Matthew short is 2x times better than @Gmaxi_32. #BBL #STRvsTHU
— Rajveer (@Rj_mahto726) January 14, 2024
matthew short has most beautiful shots of world #BBL13 lovely to watch
— Gauti (@Tradergautam) January 14, 2024
Skittled by Lloyd Pope the lowest Thunder point since skittled by Wes Agar for 15ao
— Lenny Phillips (@lenphil29) January 14, 2024
Damn! This Matthew Short guy!
He can bat.
Keeps on winning matches for Strikers day in and day out. #Crickettwitter #STRvSTA #MSvsAS #ASvMS #BBL13
— Arijit Kundu (@_arijitkundu_) January 14, 2024
Heinrich Klaasen and Matthew Short are the two leading T20 batters in the world right now.
— Philasande Sixaba (@psixaba) January 14, 2024
That's outaa park Matthew Short 😱🔥🔥🥵🥵
— Naviyo (@whocaresnavi) January 14, 2024
After 6 games, I think Adelaide Strikers were running equal last with 1 win, a washout, and 4 losses. Is it pure coincidence that ever since they brought Lloyd Pope into the team, they've had 4 straight wins and they've made the semis in hot form. 🤔
— Ian Harkin (@sportznut67) January 14, 2024