McAndrew Five-For Knocks Stars Out, Sets Up Sydney Clash in Challenger
Sydney Thunderย 135 for 7 (Davies 36, Gilkes 28, Curran 2-26, Mir 2-26) beatย Melbourne Starsย 114 (Maxwell 28, McAndrew 5-16, Andrews 2-20) by 21 runs (DLS method)
Sydney Thunder defended 135 – the second-lowest total defended in a BBL playoff game – to go through to the Challenger. Tanveer Sangha and Nathan McAndrew were the heroes for Sydney Thunder as they defended a small total in the BBL elimination final. Legspinner Sangha dismissed Glenn Maxwell on a tricky pitch, while McAndrew took five wickets, finishing with 5 for 16.
The Melbourne Stars, chasing 136 in 19 overs, struggled after losing wickets regularly, including Maxwell, who scored 28 off 21 balls. McAndrewโs outstanding new-ball spell set the tone, and the Thunder bowlers kept the pressure on throughout the game.
The match was shortened to 19 overs per side due to a lightning delay during the Thunder’s innings. With this win, Thunder moves on to face Sydney Sixers in the Challenger at the SCG. The winner will play Hobart Hurricanes in the final.
The Stars, who had won five games in a row, saw their title hopes dashed again as their long championship drought continues.
Thunder Bowlers Deliver Under Pressure
Defending a below-par total, Thunder needed quick wickets, and McAndrew delivered. He removed openers Sam Harper and Thomas Rogers early, putting the Stars under pressure.
The spinners then stepped up, knowing Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis were key threats. Offspinner Chris Green dismissed Stoinis with a brilliant catch at deep midwicket by George Garton. Sangha claimed Maxwellโs wicket when he top-edged a ball trying to play it to the leg side. Sangha even took a second wicket on the next ball, dismissing Tom Curran.
McAndrew wrapped up the tail, and skipper David Warner fittingly took the final catch, sparking celebrations for Thunderโs players and fans.
Maxwell’s Brief Brilliance
Glenn Maxwell was expected to decide the game for the Stars. After the top order collapsed to 27 for 3, Maxwell came in and quickly made an impact.
Peter Handscomb, playing his first game of the season, struggled against spin and was out lbw for 11. Maxwell, however, looked in great touch. He smashed three boundaries off Tom Andrews, including two reverse sweeps, and followed up with a massive six off Sangha.
Despite his quick start, Maxwell couldnโt carry his team to victory. Once he was dismissed for 28, the Starsโ chances faded, even with some late runs from Mark Steketee.
Warner Falls Early, Davies Steadies Thunder
David Warner, a key player for Thunder all season, had a rare failure in the final, getting out for a duck in the second over. Matthew Gilkes took over and played aggressively in the powerplay, smashing a six off Tom Curran. His attacking mindset also inspired young Hugh Weibgen, who hit a boundary in his role as an opener.
Gilkes rode his luck after a low catch was overturned by the third umpire, but he eventually fell for 22. The Starsโ spinners then tightened the game, with Sam Billings and Ollie Davies working hard to keep the innings alive.
Davies top-scored with 36 before falling in the 18th over. The Thunder managed a small boost with a six from Tom Andrews on the final ball, giving them some late momentum.
Starsโ Spinners Excel in Tough Conditions
The Starsโ pacers struggled in the powerplay, so captain Marcus Stoinis turned to legspinner Usama Mir right after. Mir struck quickly, dismissing Weibgen with a sharp return catchโhis fourth caught-and-bowled of the tournament.
Mir kept spinning the ball sharply and troubled Billings, who tried to counter with reverse sweeps. Mir got another wicket when Gilkes holed out to Maxwell, who fired up the crowd after the catch.
Left-arm spinner Doug Warren, playing his first match since Boxing Day, bowled tight lines and was unlucky not to dismiss Billings earlier. He finally got Billings stumped in the 12th over.
In the final overs, the Starsโ seamers bowled slower balls to make scoring difficult, ensuring the Thunder couldnโt finish strong. However, the small target wasnโt enough for the Stars to chase, and their campaign ended in disappointment.