The 2013/14 Big Bash League continues on Friday night with the second match of Round 2 to be played between Sydney Thunder and the Adelaide Strikers at ANZ Stadium. Join us for live scores and updates from 7.30pm AEDT.
This game should be a good one, as both teams have some proven performers.
The Thunder will be missing David Warner and Michael Clarke due to the Boxing Day Test, while the Strikers will have a full squad to choose from.
The strikers have a strong batting line-up with the likes of Michael Klinger, Alex Hales, Phil Hughes and Callum Ferguson, while the Thunder have Usman Khawaja and Michael Hussey.
The Strikers are also no slouch with the ball, with the exciting Shaun Tait and the promising Kane Richardson leading the attack.
The Thunder’s attack also showed promise in their first match with all three fast bowlers bowling with a lot of bounce thanks to their tall frames and a spicy SCG wicket.
Both teams have experienced captains, with Michael Hussey leading the Thunder and Johan Botha leading the Strikers.
The last time these teams met the Thunder won by six wickets thanks to a 54-ball hundred from Chris Gayle.
Although their will be no Gayle heroics this time round, their are certainly a few players in each team that could do their best to repeat it.
Key Players
Sydney Thunder
Batsman – Usman Khawaja
Bowler – Dirk Nannes
In the Thunders first game Khawaja put on a 100 + run partnership with David Warner. But as soon as Warner was dismissed he seemed to struggle and eventually gave his wicket away. Will be interesting to see how he goes.
If he is on song, then he is a very good batsman who can hit the ball a fair way.
Nannes has been one of the best BBL bowlers over the last three years, and if the first game shows anything, nothing much has changed. At 37 he still manages to bowl at 140km/h and can produce a lot of bounce of almost any pitch.
Nannes bowls in the right areas and is also handy in the field.
Adelaide Strikers
Batsman – Phil Hughes
Bowler – Kane Richardson
Phil Hughes is a very good batsman who could definitely turn the game on it’s head if the Strikers needed someone to turn the game around.
Can be a bit flashy and edgey but when he is on song, he is almost unstoppable.
Kane Richardson is a young up and coming bowler who performed well in last years BBL. Can bowl mid 140s at a good length.
Richardson is also a good fielder and took a few spectacular catches in the outfield last year.
All in all I’ve tipped the Strikers , they have an all round fantastic line-up, with proven t20 players.
Make sure to join me at 7:30 AEDT for the final teams and the toss
Praveen
Guest
If Khawaja was playing then thunder would have got over the line , great batting by hussey and bowling from nannes, the thunder do look stronger this year and that's food signs
Nikki
Guest
After leaving my first big bash game tonight 27/12 at anz I was soo keen to come again. But now I won't - due to train track work there was no special event trains only one an hour to Epping after wanting to watch that last ball missed the first bus and have only left anz stadium at 11.48pm. You lost me as a fan
Avon River
Guest
Top game. The hooked 6 by Huss off Tait was pure gold. Thunder choked though. Huss clearly deserved to be on the winning side.
Max Willis
Roar Pro
This game was a fantastic one, with Klinger starring with the bat for the Strikers, while Michael Hussey was probably man of the match with his great knock of 85. Huss could almost be playing for Australia!!! Shaun Tait was good with the ball in the last over, but was pretty expensive. Thankyou for joining me for tonight's game, and make sure to follow tomorrow's live blogs which will feature England v Australia and the Brisbane Heat v the Hobart Hurricanes.
Max Willis
Roar Pro
The Strikers win after a swing and a miss! Shaun Tait's last over was fantastic with only 2 runs off it.
Max Willis
Roar Pro
19.5, Hussey smashes it miles in the air, but is caught by Johan Botha. Hussey out for 85 off 56. Woakes needs a six off this ball to draw the game and go into the super over.
Max Willis
Roar Pro
Another swing and a miss but they sneak through for a single, 7 off 2
Max Willis
Roar Pro
8 off 3, Floros steps away and swings and misses!
Max Willis
Roar Pro
Floros is on strike, 8 off 4, can he do it?
Max Willis
Roar Pro
19.1 WIDE!!! They appeal to deceive him, but the umpire bravely calls a wide down the off side
Max Willis
Roar Pro
Hussey changes his bat!!! The pressure builds
Max Willis
Roar Pro
10 off 5, well bowled by Tait
Max Willis
Roar Pro
1 over to go and the Thunder need 10 runs off it. Luckily for the Thunder, Hussey is on strike. I can't believe it! Tait is bowling!!!!
Max Willis
Roar Pro
18.4, direct hit run-out chance, and the Third Umpire confirms that Patterson is out. The Thunder need 11 off 7 and Hussey is on strike.
Max Willis
Roar Pro
This game could still go either way
Max Willis
Roar Pro
11 needed off 9
Max Willis
Roar Pro
182 overs are left and the Thunder need 14 runs off 12 balls. 4/140, Richardson bowling.
Max Willis
Roar Pro
The Thunder need 15 off 14 balls
Max Willis
Roar Pro
17.2, lucky shot from Hussey, as it landed at 3rd man, but he deserves the luck. Only just goes for 4
Max Willis
Roar Pro
17 overs gone and the Thunder need 22 off 18. Neser's spell also comes to an end with figures 3/24. Well bowled, Tait to bowl