Sydney Thunder sealed a thrilling four-wicket victory over Sydney Sixers in the Challenger final, setting up a title showdown with Hobart Hurricanes. Thunder successfully chased down a target of 152 with seven balls to spare, thanks to a composed knock from Sam Billings and stellar performances from their spinners.
Sydney Thunder 157/6 (Billings 42, J. Sangha 30, Kerr 2-35) defeated Sydney Sixers 151/7 (Silk 43, Andrews 2-15, Agar 2-25)
After a tumultuous season that saw them finish at the bottom of the ladder last year, Thunder are now just one win away from claiming their first BBL title in nine years. The team displayed composure in a scrappy affair, where wickets fell regularly, but Billings’ calm presence helped guide Thunder over the line.
With 18 runs still required from 13 balls, Billings launched a crucial six off Hayden Kerr, easing the pressure and moving Thunder closer to their target.
SUPERB BOWLING PERFORMANCE
Thunder’s bowlers were excellent in the field, restricting Sixers to a manageable total. Despite a 56-run partnership between Jordan Silk and Ben Dwarshuis, the Sixers were kept in check. The Thunder spinners—Tom Andrews, Tanveer Sangha, and Chris Green—were instrumental in this, conceding just 66 runs in their combined ten overs. Andrews stood out with a pair of wickets in quick succession, finishing with 2/15.
EARLY ACTION AND THE OPENING PARTNERSHIP
In a season of experimenting with opening combinations due to injuries and international call-ups, Thunder opted for Jason Sangha to partner David Warner for the Challenger final. Sangha, playing just his second game of the season, made an immediate impact, smashing 14 runs off the first over. Warner followed suit with a six off Kerr, but both openers soon fell. Warner was dismissed for a catch at mid-on, while Sangha was caught slog-sweeping Chohan to deep midwicket, leaving Thunder at 44/2.
A LIFE FOR GILKES AND THE RUN-OUT DRAMA
Matthew Gilkes’ life was extended when Lachlan Shaw dropped a regulation catch off Ben Manenti early in his innings. Gilkes capitalized on this second chance and hit a towering six off Mitch Perry. However, he was involved in a close run-out decision when he attempted a second run after playing a shot to deep third. A superb throw from Kerr beat him, but despite the stumps being broken, the zing bails did not light up, and Gilkes was given out after a third umpire review.
MIDDLE OVERS SQUEEZE AND BILLINGS’ CALM FINISH
As wickets continued to fall, Thunder found themselves in a tense situation. The spinners, especially Chohan, kept the pressure on, with Chohan not conceding a boundary until his final ball. Thunder held back their power surge until the 18th over, and despite George Garton falling to a wild swing, Billings and Nathan McAndrew saw Thunder home with relative ease.
SIXERS’ STRUGGLES IN THE MIDDLE ORDER
Sixers’ innings never fully took off. After losing Edwards and Kurtis Patterson early, they were struggling at 23/2 in the powerplay. Although Josh Philippe and Moises Henriques started rebuilding the innings, Henriques’ return catch off Tanveer Sangha, which resulted in a bizarre run-out of Philippe, set back their recovery. The wickets kept falling, and despite Silk's best efforts—hitting a couple of sixes—Sixers could not get enough momentum. A late surge from Dwarshuis gave them a bit of hope, but the total of 151 was ultimately too low.
LOOKING AHEAD TO THE FINAL
Thunder will now face the Hobart Hurricanes in the BBL final on Monday, hoping to claim their first-ever title. With key contributions from Billings, their spinners, and the all-round depth of the team, Thunder will be full of confidence as they look to cap off a remarkable turnaround season.
