Twitter Reactions: Nathan Coulter-Nile, Nick Larkin take Melbourne Stars to thrilling win

Sydney Thunder record their first win in Big Bash League (BBL) 2021-22, defeating Melbourne Stars by four runs in a thrilling clash. The Glenn Maxwell-led side did pretty well to post 165/4 while batting first. However, the Sydney-based team was in the hunt for the best part and the clash went right down to the wire. However, a brilliant last over from Adam Zampa saw the Stars crossing the line.

Earlier in the game, Sydney Thunder won the toss and elected to bowl at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. Top-three batters, Marcus Stoinis, Joe Clarke, and Glenn Maxwell got into double figures but none of them were able to play a substantial knock. At 61/3, in fact, the Stars looked in trouble. However, Nick Larkin joined forces with Hilton Cartwright, and the duo stitched up an 80-run stand to put the Stars in command.

While Cartwright was dismissed for a well-made 42, Larkin went on to slam a half-century. Some late impetus was provided by the dashing Andre Russell, who was playing his first game this season. The Caribbean star played some big shots towards the end and his nine-ball 17 took Stars to 165/4 in their allotted 20 overs. Tanveer Sangha was the pick of the bowlers for Thunder, having scalped two wickets.

Nathan Coulter-Nile bowled a match-winning spell

Chasing a challenging target, the Thunder got off to a dismal start with openers Sam Whiteman and Alex Hales getting out on 10 apiece. However, Matthew Gilkes and Sam Billings steadied the ship with an 89-run stand. While Billings made 43 off 31 balls, Gikes scored a half-century to put his side on command. At 118/2 in 14 overs, the Chris Green-led side looked all set to cross the line.

However, fall of three quick wickets brought the Stars back in the hunt. The equation finally came down to the Sydney-based team needing 11 runs off the final over, which was bowled by Adam Zampa. Meanwhile, Nathan Coulter-Nile was the pick of the bowlers for Stars with two wickets. The talismanic leg-spinner managed to hold his nerves and the same saw Stars walking away with a thrilling four-run win.

Meanwhile, let’s look at how Twitterati reacted to the thrilling contest: