5 Top knocks in the BBL 6

The Big Bash League (BBL) is one of the most popular Twenty20 leagues in world cricket. Perth Scorchers captain Michael Klinger is currently the highest run-scorer with 1274 runs in just 41 matches. Chris Gayle decided to opt out of this edition of the Big Bash League after the massive controversy over his comments.

A lot of fans were worried that in his absence the tournament might lose out on its sheen to a great extent. That has however not been the case as evident from the thrilling run-chases and high-scoring clashes. Let’s take a look at the 5 most exciting knocks by batsmen this season.

1. Ben McDermott – 114 (52 balls)

Ben McDermott’s swashbuckling innings of 114 runs in just 52 deliveries at a strike rate of 219.23 consisting of 9 sixes and 8 fours can be described as nothing short of sensational. Hobert Hurricanes required a messiah to chase down the daunting target of 222 runs in 20 overs.

The 22-year-old walked out to bat after the loss of 2 early wickets. With the required net run rate increasing at a rapid pace the youngster decided to counter-attack from the very first ball which shattered the initial momentum and confidence of the bowlers. As a result of his herculean effort, the Hurricanes were able to get across the finishing line which seemed improbable after the early breakthroughs.

McDermott described it as his best innings ever in the post-match conference with his comments indicating his pleasure- “Certainly by a long way,”. “I’ve never got a hundred in Twenty20 cricket. To do it on the big stage was awesome.”

Also read- Best XI of the BBL season 6

2. Ben Dunk – 85 (43)

Ben Dunk smashed 85 runs off just 43 balls in his debut game for the Adelaide Strikers sharing a 133-run partnership with T20 debutant Jake Weatherald in just 11.1 overs. The Brisbane Heat led by Kiwi superstar Brendon McCullum must have been reasonably confident of a victory after notching up 206 runs.

However, the ruthless batsman had other plans after switching over from the Hobert Hurricanes this season which must have pleased his new fans to no end. Dunk’s dismissal allowed the bowlers to claw their way back into the game with the required run rate dropping down from 10.6 to 8.6 which is a testimony to his impact on the game.

3. Tim Paine 91 (61)

Tim Paine is one of the most underrated batsmen in Australian cricket. The 32-year-old scored 91 runs from just 61 balls against the Melbourne Stars and also stitched a record stand of 145 runs with George Bailey which helped the Hurricanes post a competitive score on the board.

His excellent fitness and sublime stroke-play ensured that the scorecard kept ticking with minimal risks. The innings consisting of 11 fours and just one six was a classic example of the fact that runs can be scored at a brisk pace even after playing risk-free cricket. The Hurricanes notched up a massive score of 188 runs in 20 overs which seemed impossible after the loss of 3 early wickets majorly because of Paine’s efforts.

4. Daniel Hughes – 85 (55)

Daniel Hughes is one of the highly rated youngsters in Australian cricket. His temperament and composed performances have earned him praise from experts and fans alike. The Sydney Sixers were handed a stiff target of 186 runs in 20 overs after some exceptional performances by Joe Burns and Jimmy Peirson. Openers Daniel Hughes and Jason Roy walked out to the middle with clear instructions to attack from the word go.

Nic Maddinson, Jason Roy, Moises Henriques and Sam Billings perished in search of quick runs which piled up pressure on the young shoulders of Hughes. The youngster chose to send out a message to the selectors by smashing 85 runs off just 55 balls in an innings consisting of 7 boundaries and 4 sixes. The knock set the early momentum for the chase with former Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Brad Haddin scoring a quickfire 13-ball 32 at the end which earned a much-needed victory for the Sixers.

Also read- Statistical Highlights of the BBL 6

5. Chris Lynn – 98* (49)

Chris Lynn is regarded as one of Australia’s most exciting cricketers at present. His hard hitting skills and ability to smash the ball into the stands makes his acquisition a no-brainer for any T20 franchise. The 26-year-old is the main threat for opposition bowlers in a batting line-up consisting of hard hitters like Brendon McCullum and Jimmy Peirson.

His sublime innings against pace heavy side Perth Scorchers where he scored 98 runs off just 49 balls was another sign of his talent. Chasing down a target of 174 runs in 20 overs was always going to be tough against an attack consisting of the likes of David Willey, Mitchell Johnson, Andrew Tye, Ashton Turner but Lynn made it look ridiculously easy as he smacked them into the stands. His knock consisting of 11 sixes and 3 boundaries against the likes of Johnson & Co. left the experts and fans spellbound with this display of big hitting.

Written by Arnab Mukherji