The Adelaide Strikers and Sydney Thunder will aim to enhance their title credentials when they clash at the Adelaide Oval on Monday night. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7.40pm (AEDT).
The Strikers will be looking to bounce back from their first loss in BBL04, while the Thunder will return to the field just three days after their clash with the Hobart Hurricanes.
CATCH UP ON THE LATEST CRICKET VIDEOS
For the home team, their batsman will aim to fire once more, after falling victim to a red-hot Scorchers attack last match.
Look for Tim Ludeman to be in the runs again; he’s struck 199 runs in five hits at a strike rate of 145.26.
The Thunder will be a dangerous opponent, boasting a well rounded side.
Veterans Jacques Kallis and Michael Hussey have led the way with the bat, both in the competition’s top ten run scores going into the last round, and much will depend on their form once more.
History between the two teams is hard to come by, having not played each other in over 12 months. Despite being the shortest format of the game, the Strikers will enjoy a few extra days off to reflect on their first defeat.
Prediction:
This should be a classic. Both teams produce world class fire power, and as the competition heads into the business end of the season, there’s no form like winning form.
Can the Strikers remain at the top end of the ladder, or will the experience of the Thunder come to front?
For mine, I think the Strikers will give their vocal home crowd reason to cheer, and sneak home in a tight one.
Join The Roar tonight 7.40pm AEDT for live score updates and debate in our live blog.
If you are following the action live, be sure to share your thoughts on the match in the comments below.
Geoff Smith
Roar Rookie
And join The Roar tomorrow night for the Renegades and the Heat from Etihad Stadium.
Geoff Smith
Roar Rookie
The Strikers now head over to Sydney on Wednesday for a clash with the Sixers. While the Thunder return to Spotless Stadium on the 17th for a clash with the Stars. Thanks for joining us tonight, not the ideal result, but some good cricket nonetheless. Until next time, elbow up.
Geoff Smith
Roar Rookie
Umpires tried their best to get back out there, but it's not to be, they've run out of time. So both teams get a point, Thunder still in the finals hunt, just. And the Strikers will go into the finals.
Geoff Smith
Roar Rookie
Match CALLED OFF!
Geoff Smith
Roar Rookie
So for every four minutes that passes now, we lose an over. Thunder will be desperate to get back out. A draw sends the Strikers into the Semi FInals. Big cover coming on now.
Geoff Smith
Roar Rookie
And the covers are out, not a good sign, we need just four more overs for this to be a game.
Geoff Smith
Roar Rookie
And to finish the over, it's four byes. Great start from the Thunder. 0/18 (1)
Geoff Smith
Roar Rookie
This time he leans back and pushes one over mid off for four. Next ball he slices over backward point for another boundary.
Geoff Smith
Roar Rookie
Again, it's taken until the second ball of the innings for a six, courtesy of. Roy
Geoff Smith
Roar Rookie
Well the covers began to come out, and the umpires have sent them back. They want this game to finish. There's been a light drizzle all match but everyone is happy to play on. Kallis and Roy now in the middle, they'll need to go at 12 an over to win this one for the Thunder. Kane Richardson to open the bowling.
Geoff Smith
Roar Rookie
So let's run through what's happened at the Adelaide Oval. A rain delay meant the game was reduced to ten overs each, and early it looked like the Thunder were on top when the Strikers were 1/16 then 2/25. But Simmons (21 off 15) and ten Doeschate (23 off 12) halted back some momentum, before Ross went ballistic with 30 runs off 11, including four sixes. Tremain was the only multiple wicket taker for the Thunder, taking 2 for 32 from his two overs. Sandhu was the most economical with 1 for 7 off two overs. So this will be a tough chase, but with their season on the line, the Thunder will have to give it everything.
Geoff Smith
Roar Rookie
How do you like them! Six off the final ball by Botha! And the Strikers finish on 5/119 off their ten overs. A very good score on this wicket.
Geoff Smith
Roar Rookie
Ross hits another six over over midwicket! Hold on, he goes again! Back to back sixes!
Geoff Smith
Roar Rookie
Great over, just five from it. 5/97 (9). Final over now. Josh Lalor with the honours.
Geoff Smith
Roar Rookie
Sandhu is back into the attack to bowl the second last over.
Geoff Smith
Roar Rookie
At the end of the 8th over it's 5/92. Botha flicks a four off the last ball backward of square.
Geoff Smith
Roar Rookie
Make that two sixes in two balls for Alex Ross!
Geoff Smith
Roar Rookie
Ross the new batsman, no time to get his eye, hits a six with his first ball!
Geoff Smith
Roar Rookie
Botha comes out. But first ball of Tremain's second is a WICKET! ten Doeschate goes for 23 (12) after being caught by Roy on the circle at mid wicket. 5/75
Geoff Smith
Roar Rookie
WICKET! After being punished that over, Moran picks a wicket with his final ball. Head bowled for 18 off 6. Strikers 4/75 (7) Three overs to go.