BBL | Konstas heroics and Thunder spinners power clinical win to boost playoff hopes

ByDebayan Sinha,SportsCafe Editor

Today at 5:26 PM

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Sydney Thunder handed Perth Scorchers their fourth straight loss with a commanding win by 61 runs. Sam Konstas led the charge with a half-century and Tom Andrews’ explosive cameo added to their total while Thunder’s spinners dominated as Perth’s wickets tumbled, sealing their defeat.

‌Perth Scorchers' decision to bowl first initially seemed poor as Sydney Thunder openers Sam Konstas and David Warner came out firing. The duo raced to 36/0 within three overs and set an aggressive tone. However, the Scorchers struck back in the fourth over when Lance Morris dismissed Warner and Matthew Gilkes in quick succession. The middle order struggled to capitalize on the start with Sam Billings and George failing to deliver and departed for single-digit scores. Despite the setbacks, Konstas stood tall at one end and partnered with Chris Green to steady the innings and took the hosts to 95/5 by the 15th over. Konstas brought up his second half-century off 40 balls, but his heroics ended just three deliveries later. With the middle order faltering, it was Tom Andrews who stepped up in the death overs. The Tasmanian bowler played a stunning cameo of 37 off just 13 balls to propel the Thunder to 158/7 at the end of their 20 overs.

The Scorchers' batting faltered from the start as they lost Finn Allen and Sam Fanning in the second over. Aaron Hardie fought to steady the ship and took the score to 35/2 in four overs. However, the spin-friendly Sydney pitch worked in the hosts' favour when Tanveer Sangha removed Hardie in the fifth over. The situation worsened as Ashton Turner and Cooper Connolly both fell during the powerplay. With Nick Hobson and Matthew Spoors at the crease, the Scorchers found themselves in deep trouble at 53/5 after eight overs, needing 106 runs to win. The collapse continued and Perth's hopes for a comeback faded. Ultimately, the Scorchers were bowled out for 97, handing them a 61-run defeat and their fourth loss in a row.

Why would he even stay that close?

This should have been the end of this #BBL14 match.

But Sam Billings hit the stumps with his gloves! 😅 pic.twitter.com/upKQFQcnhT
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 13, 2025

What a stunner!

😱 @davidwarner31 😱

That's a screamer from the Thunder skipper! #BBL14 pic.twitter.com/tOQQYnY1qt
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 13, 2025

How?

How has that hit the stumps?!

After a double-bounce, Matthew Gilkes has somehow run out Cooper Connolly! #BBL14 pic.twitter.com/G3gQDmDpm8
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 13, 2025

Great spell!

How good is leg-spin!

Tanveer Sangha knocks over Aaron Hardie with a beautiful bit of bowling. #BBL14 pic.twitter.com/vBoiqHda6o
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 13, 2025

Wow! That's great!

Oh, dear. That's a barbecue.

Sam Fanning has to go after this disastrous Scorchers run out... #BBL14 pic.twitter.com/tzTW8JknHc
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 13, 2025

Hahaha! Yeah buddy!