Twitter Reactions: Pacers give Sydney Thunder win in rain-marred contest

The Sydney Derby at the Showground Stadium was dominated by the fast bowlers. Rain tried to play spoilsport as well, but luck favoured the Sydney Thunder. In the end, Callum Ferguson’s men won by four runs DLS method. The Thunder have now gotten themselves up to fourth in the table. Also, the Sixers defeat has meant that the Melbourne Stars will end the league stage as the toppers.

Pacers strangles the Sixers

The Sixers got off to a rather horrendous start after being put in to bat first. Moises Henriques and Co were reduced to 15 for five after 5.1 overs. Their top five perished in the single-digits. It started with Chris Morris’ soccer skills to get rid of Daniel Hughes after which Gurinder Sandhu trapped Josh Phillippe in front. Daniel Sams, Brendan Doggett and Morris also added to the wickets-column.  

Amidst the chaos, rain interrupted play twice and the overs were pruned down to 16 per side. For the Sixers, Justin Avendano and Ben Dwarshuis (19) injected some momentum. Avendano was arguably their standout batter, scoring 28 off 31 with a four and two sixes. Both fell prey to Sams and the Sixers were shot out for 76. Nathan McAndrew had an off-day with an economy of 8.66.

Thunder get home on DLS

The Thunder didn’t make the greatest of starts either. Jackson Bird got rid of opener Alex Hales in the very first over. The batter tried to whip the leather through mid-wicket, but got surprised by the extra bounce. Hales got a leading-edge and Jordan Silk at cover took a superlative diving catch. Usman Khawaja got going with a couple of fours before fast bowler Tom Curran found his outside edge.  

Callum Ferguson lofted Curran down the ground off a free hit after which the Thunder resorted to picking singles. Ben Dwarshuis conceded 13 runs in the only over he bowled. When rain halted play for the final time, the Thunder were ahead by four runs on Duckworth Lewis Stern (DLS) method. The game never resumed and Ferguson and Co got home with their score at 28 for two in 5.3 overs.

Here is how Twitterati reacted to Thunder’s victory: –

This doesn’t seem like a fair outcome #BBL09

— Scott Thomas (@7Scott77) January 18, 2020

I feel like this is still confusing… #DLS #BBL09 #BBL2019 @SixersBBL https://t.co/DIAnBnhRDV

— Jordan Floyd (@JordanMFloyd) January 18, 2020

#BBL09 If the teams were told by the umpires to get on with the game but a team continued to waste time than yeah…fines or suspensions should be dished out

— Summer Sports Ball (@crowdiegal) January 18, 2020

i’m angry, but anyway 🙃 #BBL09

— amy MET LEWIS ♡ (@FLORALSKYMGC) January 18, 2020

Nice to have DLS on our side for a change…we were due! Great bowling set up the well deserved win! #Thundernation #BBL09 https://t.co/nyHUu9RtB3

— Matt Hope (@MattHope4) January 18, 2020

Game over #BBL09

— Lachlan Steele (@Lachy_Steele) January 18, 2020

#BBL09 It's up to the umpires to tell captain of the fielding team to hurry up and get on with it especially if it seems like they are attempting to waste time.

— Summer Sports Ball (@crowdiegal) January 18, 2020

Game over. The umpires have called off the remainder of play at the Sydney Showgrounds, due to rain

Sydney Thunder beat Sydney Sixers by 4 runs ( DLS Method )
#BBL09

— Mehedi Hasan Shawon (@SportsBoyShawn) January 18, 2020

A highly productive opening partnership for the Sydney Thunder produces 1 run

— Stephen Smith (@sjsmith2000) January 18, 2020

Just waiting for Smith to join Sydney Sixers

— Jaydev Mishra (@MishraJaydev) January 18, 2020

Would normally be annoyed with play called off to rain but under the circumstances it's fine. We need the rain. #BBL09

— Lyndon Hall (@lp91hc) January 18, 2020

🧐 on Sydney Sixers presser after this match. Look less than pleased #bbl09

— Tim Michell (@tim_michell) January 18, 2020