Sydney Sixers captain Brad Haddin has told Sydney Thunder’s star import Chris Gayle to start earning his monster pay packet as a four-wicket win extended the Thunder’s Big Bash losing streak to 11 games on Sunday.
On the back of an unbeaten 51 off 36 balls from youngster Daniel Hughes, the Sixers made 6-136 chasing the target of 133 to keep their slim finals hopes alive with a tense victory.
Brett Lee hit back-to-back fours off Scott Coyte to seal the victory with an over to spare.
But it was Haddin’s hefty sledge which ensured the rivalry between these two teams stayed fiery following another disappointing failure from Gayle (9) and a face-saving innings from Test aspirant Usman Khawaja (66no).
Gayle, lauded as the world’s premier Twenty20 batsman when he arrived for his second Big Bash campaign on a $250,000 deal, has been well below his best – averaging just 13 from six innings.
His poor form became the subject of ridicule when Haddin was piloting the Sixers’ chase.
But Gayle, who finished with 2-17, claimed a minor victory by enticing a rash shot from Haddin who was caught for 18.
Gayle celebrated Haddin’s wicket by thumping his chest and starting an impromptu Gangnam-style dance – before the Sixers captain continued the sledging in a sideline interview.
“He’s been all talk so far this tournament and they haven’t won a game,” Haddin told Fox Sports.
“It’s disappointing to get out then, I was feeling pretty good but at least the Thunder fans have seen Chris Gayle do something for his money.”
It ensured there was still some spark in the all-Sydney derby between the competition’s two worst-performed teams which drew an impressive crowd of 20,986.
And they witnessed a capitulation from the Thunder top-order, a solo recovery mission from Khawaja and successful Sixers’ run chase led by Hughes.
Hughes offered just one chance, on 48, when he was dropped by Scott Coyte off the bowling of the always-impressive Dirk Nannes (3-24).
Gayle wasn’t alone in struggling at the top of the Thunder top order – Matt Prior (4) and Chris Rogers (7) also couldn’t deliver.
The loss ensures the Thunder will finish 2012 without a single victory, their last coming on December 23 last year.
This year has been far kinder for the Sixers – they won the inaugural Big Bash tournament in January and the Champions League in October, but both their victories this summer have come against the hapless Thunder.
Sixers batsman Steve Smith suffered rib damage during his brief knock of 14.
Haddin didn’t back down from his sledge when asked if Gayle was justifying his lofty wages.
“They lost,” he said.
Even Gayle’s two wickets weren’t enough to impress Haddin: “But they lost.
“It was the local derby, and you don’t want things to roll on without a bit of fun. Chris bowled well tonight.
“It’s always very good to get Chris cheaply because he can take the game away from you so quickly.
“He hasn’t been doing that so much with the Thunder the past couple of years, but he can definitely take it away from you very quickly.”
Gayle laughed off Haddin’s comments as friendly banter – and pointed to his growing list of scalps this tournament that includes retired Test great Ricky Ponting as well as Haddin.
“I’ve done a lot for (the Thunder) from last year,” Gayle said.
“(Haddin) is going to be in my pocket just like Ricky and the rest of the big names who I got out.”
Gayle lamented his own dismissal as well as the Thunder’s miserable season, but paid credit to the Sixers’ pace bowlers.
“I tried to express myself (with the bat) but it didn’t happen,” he said.
“Even though I’m not timing the ball well you have to give the bowlers credit.”
Farmerj
Guest
The BBL is becoming like the IPL where there are so many games they just all become completely unmemorable, except for when someone like Haddin adds some colour. Good on him and for thatmatter, Brad Hodge for bringing some sadly lacking personality to the comp.
V44
Roar Rookie
Agree, it looked like he intended to "have a go" at all players in hope it threw Sixers off game and gave Thunder some chance. He simply needs to produce runs....not have an extended holiday at expense of Thunder, BBL and his "team mates".
Macca
Guest
Khawaja was a class above last night, showed why he shoud take hussey's spot.
Oracle
Guest
Haddin is right, although he should be an expert on the subject, as Haddin's last year as a highly paid Australian cricketer was extremely sub-standard. Having said that, the "pitches" at ANZ are rubbish, and certainly don't assist any batsman.
The no. Three
Guest
Even if Haddin is right, its not his place to offer comment to Gayle. Its not a class act. Stick to positiveness Brad. All players go through very dry periods in getting runs..
Chris
Guest
Chris Gayle? His arrogance is great if he is playing well, but he just looks foolish with all his carry-on when he has barely a run to his name in the last few months. After his performances in Bangladesh he should take a long hard look at what he is doing wrong.
Matt F
Roar Guru
That's not saying much though. I'm not saying that he's a poor T20 player by any means, simply that you won't be winning the BBL if he's your best batsman. Saying that they don't have any other batsmen to support him was harsh though. I withdraw that comment. Only one batsman to support him :)
Christo the Daddyo
Guest
To all the BBL knockers - please explain how the teams at the bottom of the table can still pull over 20,000 to a BBL game? Simply proves that the main problem with the BBL is its scheduling. Needs to wait until Christmas before starting...
Christo the Daddyo
Guest
?
Christo the Daddyo
Guest
Um, hasn't Khawaja been the best of the Thunder batsmen this season?
Anil
Guest
Went to the game las nightfor the first time we got more then 20000 people which created a great atmosphere. Love the sledging, I guess Gayle came out on top but Haddin ultimately won as the Sixers came through. Where did Hughes come from, he looks like a good talent for NSW and Khawaja continues to show why he is the heir apparent for Hussey's replacement.
mahonjt
Guest
A ham fisted attempt to fire up a "derby" culture in a sport that doesnt need a derby if it would only embrace its own history.
Matt F
Roar Guru
His fielding is shocking. That mis-field late on was really awaful, though not as bad as Scott Coyte's dropped sitter!
doozel
Guest
Gayle was in every batsman's ear, moving in from where he was fielding each ball. The sledging worked against Haddin but Hughes says it helped him concentrate so at the end of the day the Thunder lost again... For the coin he is earning he needs to more than talk a good game. He can talk up his bowling but he isn't going to win many games for the Thunder unless he scores runs. His fielding and running between wickets is terrible as well.
Matt F
Roar Guru
Yeah he was one of the best in the competition last year. He's had a shocker so far this tournament but it's not his fault that the Thunder have no other batsmen so support him. Khawaja can bat, but T20 isn't his best format, despite his good knock last night.
Sailosi
Guest
Wasn't Gayle the leading or second leading run scorer last year for the competition? -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download it now [http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/the-roar/id327174726?mt=8].
Christo the Daddyo
Guest
Haddin's correct. And the rest of the Thunder haven't been much better.
Matt
Guest
So... He's wrong? You think gayle has been a marquee player then?
Nick
Guest
Is there a more dislikable person in the game than brad haddin?
Bunratty
Guest
Haddin....sigh, nothing changes