BBL6 Game 29 Recap - Sydney Thunder v Adelaide Strikers @ Spotless Stadium
Sydney Thunder 10/101 (15.3 Overs) Defeated By Adelaide Strikers 5/178 (20 Overs)
Thunder Out After Heavy Loss
The Sydney Thunder blew their opportunity to get into the finals as they were hammered by the Adelaide Strikers by 77 runs at Spotless Stadium. The Thunder were never really in the contest as they were bowled out for 101 in chase of the Strikers imposing 178. The Thunder came into this game riding the back of a 3-game winning streak and needing another win to have any hope of defending their title. The 77-run loss now looks certain to condemn the Thunder to the wooden spoon with a poor net run rate and three wins from their eight games. Only Shane Watson with 39 threatened to make a fist of the run chase, as Ish Sodhi ran amok claiming six wickets as the Thunder middle order folded meekly. The Thunder had won their three previous games chasing, so I guess it wasn’t a surprise they decided to bowl first. However, on a dying wicket, I thought it was a strange decision, and when Adelaide racked up 178, the Thunder batting was always going to be under pressure. I’m not a fan of bowling first in high pressure games when the wicket is low and slow, however that might be a very old school approach I have.
Thunder Fumble Changes Momentum
I have spoken before about how small details can really change the momentum of a game. So despite the Thunder being blown off the park last night, there was still a key moment when they might look back and think what might have been. The key moment of the match came as early as the 5th over as Ben Dunk drove a ball hard and flat to mid-off, only for Carlos Brathwaite to spoon the opportunity. It was not an easy catch by any means; however at this level those ones are expected to be taken. That would have left the Strikers 2/26 with their best batsman back in the sheds. Instead, Dunk and Hodge went on to pile another 87 runs in a partnership that took the game away from the Thunder. By Dunk and Hodge batting through the best part of the innings, it allowed Kieron Pollard to come in and play with freedom from Ball 1 as he blitzed 47 from 21 balls, and the Thunder sank to their knees. With Pollard having to come in at 2/26 he probably would have been forced to play more responsibly and the game takes on a completely different complexion.
Strikers Mentally Worth Thinking About
The Strikers came into last night’s match with nothing to play for, which can work one of two ways. Most of the time it's very hard to get yourself up and motivated for dead rubber games and, with the other side having everything to play for, most people expected an easy win for the Thunder. However, with nothing to lose, it allows cricketers to play with freedom and without the same pressure - which was always going to make Adelaide a dangerous opponent. Because cricket can be such a mental game, I actually think this situation would be advantageous to some of the Adelaide players. It would be different in a sport like Rugby League where physicality plays such a huge part. A team with nothing to play for in Rugby League would be far more likely to be belted as the physical toll they have to put their body through, with nothing on the line, would be a lot harder to motivate yourself for. In cricket, there is little physical aspect, and so if you’re mentally relaxed and carefree, it can often lead to some of your best performances.
Strikers Best Three Players Remain Unsigned
The Strikers have some thinking to do heading into next season with the likes of Ben Dunk, Brad Hodge and Ish Sodhi all free agents as we speak. Last night, the trio all starred for the Strikers once again as they put together their most dominant and convincing display in what has been an underwhelming BBL6 campaign for them. Ben Dunk was absolutely magnificent for Adelaide this year, and is clearly the leading run scorer with 364 runs at an average of 52 and a strike rate of 163. Dunk was picked up on the cheap from Hobart last year, however is likely to command top dollar next season. The Strikers’ captain, Brad Hodge, had another stellar season, scoring 286 runs at an average of 40 and a strike rate of 131. The 42 year old has signalled his intent to play on again next season, and the Strikers surely will be keen to use their Captain’s experience, leadership and reliability in the middle order once more. Ish Sodhi has been a revelation during his 3-game stint and capped that off last night by claiming a remarkable 6/11. Most of the good sides in T20 cricket have at least one gun spinner, and Sodhi became that man for the Strikers. He has outstanding variations, good consistency and looks like an intelligent bowler, which made him a nightmare to face on a slow turner last night at Spotless Stadium. I would be very surprised if Sodhi is not snapped up again next season.
Lurker Looking for the Finishing Post
The Lurker is really out of sorts right now and trying desperately to find the finishing line. He was never in the hunt last night after picking the Thunder for the first time this year, as they slumped to an embarrassing 77- run defeat. The defeat drops The Lurker to 18-11 on the season to continue his poor run in 2017.