The 33rd match of Big Bash League saw a comprehensive bowling performance from Sydney Thunderwho defeated Perth Scorchers by a convincing margin of 61 runs. The match played at the Sydney Showground Stadium was a one-sided affair as the collective bowling effort of the Thunder and Tom Andrews‘The explosive lower order batting propelled them to a dominant victory.
Tom Andrews’ Explosive Punch
The Perth Scorchers won the toss and decided to bowl first, looking to chase a target on what looked like a decent batting surface. However, the Scorchers’ bowling attack struggled to contain the Thunder batsmen throughout the innings. Sydney Thunder managed to post a total of 158/7 in their 20 overs, with the highest score coming from Konstas himself.
Konstas played a vital knock of 53 off 42 balls, with 5 fours and 2 sixes, anchoring the innings on top. The real fireworks came from Tom Andrewswho put in an electrifying performance in the lower category. He powered his way to a quickfire 37 off just 13 balls, hitting 3 fours and 3 sixes. His explosive cameo ensured Thunder reached a competitive total despite a modest start. The Scorchers’ pitchers worked hard, but were unable to stop the momentum Andrews generated.
Lance Morris was the pick of the Scorchers bowlers, taking 3 wickets in his 4 over spell. However, it was a performance that did not produce enough wickets to stop the Thunder’s charge. Other bowlers including Aston Agar, Cooper Connolly, Matthew Spoors and Jason Behrendorff each took a wicket but could not create a significant impact on the total.
The Perth Scorchers’ batting collapse
Chasing a challenging target of 159, the Perth Scorchers batting line-up faltered under pressure. They were bowled out for a meager 97 in just 20 overs. Aaron Hardy Top scorer for the Scorchers with 22 runs off 17 balls, including 1 four and 2 sixes. Despite their efforts, the Scorchers were unable to form partnerships and none of the other batsmen were able to offer any significant resistance.
The Sydney Thunder bowlers were on top throughout the chase. Mohamed Hasnain, Tom Andrewsand Tanveer Sangha each one took a wicket, while Nathan McAndrew He claimed 2 wickets. However, the standout performance came from Chris Greenwho produced a match winning spell, taking 3 wickets for just 22 runs in his 4 overs. Their control in the intervals ensured that the Scorchers were never able to recover. Andrews’ all-round brilliance earned him the Player of the Match award. His quick 37 with the bat and a crucial wicket with the ball played a big role in the Thunder’s victory. With this dominant 61-run victory, the Thunder secured their playoff berth, marking a significant achievement in their Big Bash League campaign.
SEE also: Cooper Connolly’s bow and arrow celebration after Sam Billings’ dismissal at BBL|14
This is how X fans reacted:
Sydney Thunder won by 61 runs. What a performance Tom Andrews 37*(13) and 1/20 (Player of the match) and Chris Green 20*(16) and 3/13. Excellent shot Sam Konstas 53(42). Well pitched N McAndrew 2/21.@ThunderBBL #BBL14 #STvPS @chrisgreen_93 @NMcAndrew44
– JaayShaan (VaidhyaJayaShankar) (@JaayShaan) January 13, 2025
Congratulations to the Sydney Thunder and especially the BBL for this victory. I noticed that the BBL really enjoyed the victory with the one-sided posts tonight. #BBL14
– Alex Sar #DonTheSash (@alexmatthewsar) January 13, 2025
Tom Andrews MOM for mine
His late batting won him.
If we score 125, Perth will bat differently and get him out.
Brilliant stroke to set it up.
– Informal Dan (@suthodan) January 13, 2025
insipid Perth Scorchers season. 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
It really surprises me how disgusting the Perth Scorchers are this season.
Had some injuries, but the team still seems strong enough to be very competitive, but now they are speechless.
– Johnny (brackets) (@Johns_Analytics) January 13, 2025
Perth Scorchers in BBL and MI in IPL are on a similar path.
Losing steam little by little…
— In search of happiness (@ravifrc15) January 13, 2025
Tom Andrews🐐
— ً (@DSK247g) January 13, 2025
Perth Scorchers will miss the final for the first time in years. The Sydney Thunder is over. Spotless Stadium is the perfect ground for their spinners to wreak the havoc 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