Big Bash League 2023-24: Adelaide Strikers Seal Play-Offs Berth With Defeat Of Sydney Thunder

Adelaide Strikers outclassed Sydney Thunder in a must win fixture to seal the final place in the play-offs. Here are the details.

Matthew Short scored an unbeaten 74 against Sydney Thunder on January 14

Source : Getty Images

Big Bash League 2023-24: Adelaide Strikers maintained their good run as of late as they seal the final berth in the play-offs race for the Big Bash League 2023-24. They did so with the defeat of already eliminated Sydney Thunder as they saw-off the Chris Green-led side comprehensively by 9 wickets. With the victory, Melbourne Stars have now been officially eliminated from the play-offs race and therefore, rest of the league stage matches will now be a dead rubber as we have our final four for the ultimate prize.

The @StrikersBBL secure their place in the #BBL13 finals! pic.twitter.com/XXdoZbZ9a6

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 14, 2024

Inspite of scoring a magnificent unbeaten 74, it was Lloyd Pope who grabbed the man of the match award for his magnificent figures of 22/4 in 3 overs.

Four huge wickets, including three in an over, earn the Pope #POTM honours! 🙏@KFCAustralia #BBL13 pic.twitter.com/ksGPNPXWAY

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 14, 2024

 

Sydney Thunder Vs Adelaide Strikers Match Report

Choosing to bat first, it was always a difficlut ask for the Sydney Thunder batters to tackle the unfrieldy conditions of the ground and pitch of Manuka Oval in Canberra. Sides batting first don't score much and given the slowness of the surface and sufficing turn, the Thunders were destined to ge wrong with their decision. 

And a bad call met an adverse fate as inspite of a good start from Alex Hales and David Warner, Sydney Thunder managed to collapse from 75/2 in 10 overs to being bundled out for 140 within 19.2 overs. It was a horrific show in the second half of the first innings from Thunder as Adelaide made things easier for themselves with a measely target of 141 in 20 overs.

The hot favourite to win the player of the tournament, Matthew Short, showed his class, power, timimg, confidence, and brutality as he left no chances for the men in green to pounce upon any opening given by their bowlers. With this victory, Adelaide Strikers will now finish at fourth and the play-offs race has officially ended in the Big Bash League 2023-24.