The 53rd T20 match of the KFC Big Bash League was fought between Adelaide Strikers and Sydney Thunder at Adelaide Oval, Adelaide on 25 Jan 2021. Sydney won the toss and invited Adelaide to bat first. Alex Carey and Jake Weatherald were sent to open for Adelaide. Adam Milne got the new ball in hand to open the attack. The match was diminished to 14 overs for each side because of rain in the afternoon.
The Striker did not get a good start and lost the first wicket of Alex Carey very early at the score of 8 runs in 2.2 overs. After the dismissal, Phil Salt at number 3 and Travis Head at number 4 position also sent back by the Thunder’s bowler at the low score of 25 & 35 runs only. Adelaide had lost 3 wickets at regular intervals but the opening batsman Jake Weatherald was still there. Jonathan Wells joined Weatherald and handled the situation up to some extent. Weatherald alone remained on the crease from one side and made unbeaten 80 runs from 47 balls. Weatherald inning helped Adelaide to put 115 runs on the scoreboard. Sydney Thunder needed 116 runs in 14 overs to win the match.
Usman Khawaja and Alex Hales were on the crease to chase the target. Daniel Worrall had the new ball to open the attack. Usman Khawaja was sent back on the first ball of Worrall and Sydney got the worst start of the season. Callum Ferguson then joined Alex Hales and both the batsmen played brilliantly. Alex Hales with Ferguson remained not out and achieved the target very easily in 12.1 overs. Hales made 63 runs from 39 balls and Ferguson also contributed 46 runs from 33 balls.
Sydney Thunder won the 53rd BBL match by 9 wickets with 11 balls left. Alex Hales received the Man of the Match title.
Stats - Adelaide Strikers vs Sydney Thunder Head to Head