In the elimination match of Big Bash League (BBL) | 14, Sydney Thunder defeated Melbourne Stars by 21 runs at the Sydney Showground Stadium, securing their place in the next Challengers match. With a brilliant performance by Nathan McAndrewwho claimed five wickets, Thunder sealed a hard-fought victory and advanced to face Sydney Sixers for a place in the final.
Sydney Thunder’s decent total in a short overs contest
Melbourne Stars won the toss and elected to bowl first, a decision they hoped would work in their favor given the conditions. However, the game was reduced to 19 overs per side due to bad weather and lightning delays. Sydney Thunder managed to post a modest total of 135/7, a score they hoped would be competitive. Sydney Thunder’s innings were built on solid contributions from Matthew Gilkes and Oliver Davis. Gilkes scored 28 runs off 18 balls, hitting 3 fours and 1 six. Davies played steadily, scoring 36 off 35 balls with 2 fours and 1 six. Despite the late flurry of wickets, Thunder’s total of 135/7 was a challenge, considering the affected weather conditions.
The Melbourne Stars bowling attack was led by Tom Curran and Usama Mirwho picked up two wickets each. Meanwhile, veteran Peter Sidlecaptain Marcos Stoinisand David Warren each claimed a wicket. Despite the bowlers’ best efforts, the Stars were unable to contain the Thunder’s lower order, and the target of 136 proved difficult to chase.
SEE also: Doug Warren’s icy celebration after dismissing Sam Billings in the BBL|14 Qualifiers
Nathan McAndrew’s heroic bowling leads Thunder to victory
Chasing 136, the Melbourne Stars struggled from the start. They were soon reduced to 114 all out in just 18 overs, falling short by 21 runs. Glenn Maxwell He was the top scorer for the Stars, contributing 28 runs off 21 balls with 3 fours and 1 six. However, a flurry of wickets halted their progress and they were unable to form partnerships to threaten the Thunder’s total.
McAndrew put in a winning performance with a career-best 5/16, the best bowling figures by a Sydney Thunder player in BBL history. His performance was the highlight of the match and he was deservedly named Player of the Match. Along with McAndrew, Tanveer Sangha and Tom Andrews each took two wickets, with Chris Green also adding a crucial scalp to his name. With the victory, Sydney Thunder secured their place in the Challengers match, where they will face Sydney Sixers in a crucial match to decide who will face the Hobart Hurricanes in the final.
Home and with a hose!
The moment when @ThunderBBL secured the victory and a spot in The Challenger against the Sixers. #BBL14 pic.twitter.com/KPx1Yp7uX0
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 22, 2025
This is how Twitter reacted:
Magnificent spell. Career-best T20 bowling figures for Nathan McAndrew 05/16 (Man of the Match). Sydney Thunder won #BBL14 #Knockout for 21 runs. Well played O Davies 36 (35). Career Best T20 bowling figures for Tom Andrews 2/20. #STvMS @NMcAndrew44 @ThunderBBL @copes9
– JaayShaan (VaidhyaJayaShankar) (@JaayShaan) January 22, 2025
Nathan McAndrew finishes with 5/16, the best bowling figures by a Sydney Thunder player in BBL history.#BBL14
—Nic Savage (@nic_savage1) January 22, 2025
Bright thunder tonight. There will be a Sydney team in the final, but which one will be known on Friday weather permitting. #BBL14
— christopher crocker league champions 2023 (@thecrock1) January 22, 2025
RCB and Melbourne Stars had an exactly 100% similar year. Both had to win 5/5 games to qualify, depending on the others. Luck favors the brave. They qualified. Rooted fans. First round of qualification, traumatic loss 🙁
— Chapla (@ChaplaDaSun) January 22, 2025
tears man
Melbourne Stars successfully recreated RCB 2024😭✅️— D. 🇦🇷 (@cheekurat) January 22, 2025
Melbourne Stars started their winning streak after a loss to Sydney Thunder and their 5-game streak ends against the same team. Thunder defended 136 runs to win the knockout.
It will be a Sydney derby to decide who will face Hobart in the BBL final.
—Omkar Mankame (@Oam_16) January 22, 2025
Well done Nathan McAndrew proved once again that you are the best fast bowler outside the Test team and deserves national honours.
— Grant Dabinett (@DabinettGrant) January 22, 2025
When Nathan Mcandrew bowls well, the pitch has something
— Deepak (@Dextercool_5) January 22, 2025
He @ThunderBBL are still alive in #BBL14 ⚡ pic.twitter.com/eQjy9IetAY
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 22, 2025
Brilliant bowling performance from Sydney Thunder 🙌#Cricket #BBL14 #SydneyThunder pic.twitter.com/I7m4fpVVBi
– CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 22, 2025
On to the next one ⚡️
See you at the SCG this Friday!!! pic.twitter.com/HfXnUL9NNq
— Sydney Thunder (@ThunderBBL) January 22, 2025