In a dramatic encounter at Manuka Oval, Daniel Sams pulled off a miracle to lead Sydney Thunder to a stunning win over Adelaide Strikers in the BBL. Sams’ sensational 31-run blitz in the 19th over turned the game on its head, helping Thunder chase down 183 with just two balls to spare.
Earlier, 19-year-old Sam Konstas set the tone with a record-breaking half-century on his BBL debut, becoming the youngest Thunder batter to achieve the feat. Despite mid-innings struggles, Thunder sealed the win in the final overs, ending their five-match losing streak against the Strikers.
Key Highlights: Thunder vs Strikers Clash
1. Sam Konstas Makes History on Debut
- The 19-year-old sensation Sam Konstas impressed everyone with his fearless batting.
- He smashed 56 off 27 balls, becoming the youngest player to score a half-century in Sydney Thunder’s history.
- His aggressive strokeplay, including scoops and lofted shots over the covers, gave Thunder a blazing start.
2. Daniel Sams’ Magical 19th Over
- With 33 runs needed off the last two overs, Thunder’s hopes looked dim.
- Enter Daniel Sams, who launched an all-out assault on leg-spinner Lloyd Pope, hitting:
- 6, 6, 4, 6, 4, 4 – a staggering 31 runs in a single over!
- Sams’ unbeaten 42 off 18 balls turned the impossible into reality.
Strikers’ Bowling Struggles and Injuries
Adelaide Strikers, despite posting a competitive 182/8, struggled in the final overs:
- Key bowler Fabian Allen was forced off the field with a hamstring injury, leaving the attack weakened.
- Lloyd Pope’s disastrous 19th over proved costly, allowing Sams to steal the match.
Coach Tim Paine had a tough outing in his first game as Strikers’ head coach.
Thunder Bowlers Shine Early On
The Thunder bowlers were instrumental in containing the Strikers:
- Lockie Ferguson made an impressive debut with fiery pace, picking up 3/24.
- Off-spinner Chris Green and leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha combined for 5 wickets, derailing the Strikers’ middle order.
Green’s crafty bowling removed big names like Chris Lynn and Jake Weatherald, while Sangha’s variations proved lethal.
Weatherald and Overton Boost Strikers’ Total
- Opener Jake Weatherald delivered a quickfire 40, justifying his selection over D’Arcy Short.
- The Strikers looked in trouble at 101/6 before Jamie Overton (45*) and James Bazley (31 off 12 balls) added quick runs.
- Their late power surge pushed the score past 180, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Sams-inspired Thunder.
What This Win Means for Sydney Thunder
- Ending a five-match losing streak against the Strikers boosts Thunder’s confidence for the rest of the season.
- Sam Konstas has announced himself as a future star, while Daniel Sams has reaffirmed his status as one of the best finishers in the BBL.
- Captain David Warner praised the team’s fightback, stating, “This is the kind of victory that builds momentum for a championship run.”
Match Summary: Thunder vs Strikers
| Sydney Thunder | 183/8 (19.4 Overs) |
|---|---|
| Top Performers | Sam Konstas – 56 (27), Daniel Sams – 42* (18) |
| Best Bowlers | Chris Green – 3/27, Lockie Ferguson – 3/24 |
| Adelaide Strikers | 182/8 (20 Overs) |
|---|---|
| Top Performers | Jamie Overton – 45* (24), Jake Weatherald – 40 (19) |
| Best Bowlers | Fabian Allen – 1/10 (2 overs, injured) |
FAQs: Thunder vs Strikers BBL Match
Q1: How many runs did Daniel Sams score in the 19th over?
A: Daniel Sams scored 31 runs in the 19th over, hitting 6, 6, 4, 6, 4, and 4 off Lloyd Pope.
Q2: Who was Sydney Thunder’s top performer in the match?
A: Sam Konstas starred with a 56-run knock on debut, while Daniel Sams smashed an unbeaten 42* to seal the win.
Q3: Why did Fabian Allen leave the field?
A: Fabian Allen injured his hamstring while fielding, which limited Strikers’ bowling options in the death overs.
Q4: What record did Sam Konstas break?
A: Sam Konstas became the youngest Sydney Thunder player to score a half-century in the BBL.