In a challenging high-stakes clash at the Sydney Cricket Ground, the Sydney Thunder defeated Sydney Sixers by four wickets to advance to the Big Bash League (BBL) 2024-25 end. Chasing 152, the Thunder rode off a match-winning performance of sam billingswho scored an unbeaten 42 off 29 balls, and a late cameo from Nathan McAndrew to seal the victory with seven balls to spare. The thunder will now face the Hobart Hurricanes in the final, aiming for his second BBL title.
Sydney Sixers struggle to generate momentum with the bat
The Sixers struggled to find consistency in their innings after opting to bat first. early layoffs Kurtis Patterson and Jack Edwards Put them on the back foot at 2/19 in the quarter. Pattern Henriques and Josh Philippe He steadied the ship briefly, but his slow scoring rate added pressure. Henriques fell for 29 off 30 balls, and the Sixers were reduced to 76/5 on the 13th over. Jordan silk played a crucial anchoring role, scoring an unbeaten 43 off 30 balls, while Ben Dwarshuis A quick-fire 30 off 20 deliveries was added to take the total to a competitive 151/7. Thunder bowlers Agar Wes and Tom Andrews he excelled, claiming two wickets each while maintaining disciplined lines.
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The Sydney Thunder stable chase directed by Sam Billings
The Thunder’s chase began on a quick note as Jason Sangha and David Warner 29 runs were added in the first three overs before Warner fell for 11. Sangha’s aggressive knock of 30 off 19 provided the platform, but wickets at regular intervals kept the game even. With 100/4 in the 13th, the thunder needed a stable hand and sam billings rose to the occasion. The wicketkeeper-batter anchored the chase with his unbeaten 42, supported by Nathan McAndrewExplosive 19 of seven deliveries. Their partnership ensured that Thunder crossed the line comfortably with seven balls to spare, despite some tight Jafer Chohan and Mitchell Perry.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Congratulations to former nkris Chris Green for playing a big role in leading his team Sydney Thunder to the BBL final. pic.twitter.com/j9haqpfw6i
– KKR Vibe (@knightsvibe) January 24, 2025
We are outside the great Thunder nation ⚡️⚡️⚡️ pic.twitter.com/2mwbwg8jxr
– Sydney Thunder (@thunderbbl) January 24, 2025
David Warner has guided his team to Sydney Thunder’s first BBL final in ten years. Incredible captaincy led by Warner. Highest career scorer in the BBL. Shows what a captain is. Fanatical effort #BBL14 pic.twitter.com/48erpzse2f
– Coach Lukas (@Luker15sky) January 24, 2025
Sydney Thunder’s great Big Bash run is remarkable, with the injuries they had come up with and they have performed extraordinarily to get through to the final, all the best for the grand final, let’s go to the thunder. #BBL14 @BBL
– Prazoley (@Prazoley_) January 24, 2025
Can Warner lead Sydney Thunder repeat what Warner lead Sunrisers Hyderabad did in 2016 IPL?
Win the championship by finishing on the table and winning all 3 Knockout matches.#BBL14 pic.twitter.com/nzkjafaszz
– Classic Mojito (@classic_mojito) January 24, 2025
His #BBL14 Final is set 🏆
Shout out who will take the title! pic.twitter.com/lo6jll9r84
– KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 24, 2025
Unfortunately, that’s the end of our season.
Thank you to the members and fans of the Sixers who have supported us all season 🩷#Likeasixer #BBL14 pic.twitter.com/r2omauy0hr
– Sydney Sixers (@sixersbbl) January 24, 2025
Sydney Thunder has reached the final 🙌🏏#Cricket #BBL14 #sydneythunder pic.twitter.com/rip6g99k7k
– Crickettimes.com (@CricketTimeshq) January 24, 2025
Fair to say the better team won tonight. Thunder played better on the power plays and had the ability to find the edge when they needed to, which the 6ers did not. Full credit to the 6ers for being there as long as they did it, especially being in so many starters.#BBL14
– Lachlan Jeffery (@lachlanjeffery) January 24, 2025
So Big Bash League final will be between Hobart Hurricane and Sydney Thunder. David Warner played a good innings to lead his team in the final. It’s going to be an exciting end to the tournament…#BBL14 pic.twitter.com/gzyyahmp86
– Muzammal Hassan (@muzammaldgr) January 24, 2025