BBL 2024/25: Sydney Thunder Survives Knockout Battle, Topples Melbourne Stars

Sydney Thunder and Melbourne Stars went on in a thrilling Knockout clash in the Big Bash League. This match was also reduced to 19 overs per side due to bad weather conditions, and Sydney Thunder came out to bat first.

The team started losing off early wickets with David Warner being dismissed at 0 off 2 balls, and Hugh Weibgen being dismissed at 11 off 11 balls. The middle order showcased some impressive performances, as Oliver Davies scored 36 runs off 35 balls, and Matthew Gilkes scored 28 runs off just 18 balls, which helped the team to reach a total of 135 runs with the loss of 7 wickets.

From Melbourne Stars, Tom Curran and Usama Mir were able to take 2 wickets each, while Marcus Stoinis, Doug Warren, and Peter Siddle grabbed one each. The target looked easy to be chased down by the batters of Melbourne Stars but Sydney Thunder had different plans.

By just 18 overs, Stars were bowled out at a score of 114, allowing Sydney Thunder to secure a win by 21 runs and reach the Challenger match. Glenn Maxwell was the top scorer for them, scoring 28 runs off 21 balls. On the other hand, Nathan McAndrew dominated with the bowl, securing a five-wicket haul and conceding just 16 runs in 4 overs.