SYDNEY, Australia, CMC – West Indies and Jamaica all-rounder Andre Russell smashed a cameo as Sydney Thunder romped to a 46-run victory over city rivals Sydney Sixers to remain in contention for the final four of the Big Bash League here yesterday.
Playing in their final preliminary game, Thunder amassed an imposing 202 for five and then restricted Sixers to 156 all out off 17.3 overs.
The victory left Thunder fourth on eight points but should Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo’s Melbourne Renegades win their final game tomorrow, net run rate will determine Thunder’s fate.
Adelaide Strikers, who lead the standings with 12 points, have confirmed their semi-final spot along with Melnourne Stars who beat Perth Scorchers by 52 runs also yesterday.
Sent in at the Sydney Cricket Ground in a must-win game after losing their previous four fixtures, Thunder were propelled by opener Shane Watson’s 66 off 41 balls while Russell weighed in with a whirlwind 46 off 20 deliveries.
Captain Mike Hussey slammed 41 off 29 balls.
Watson, who struck seven fours and three sixes, put on 48 off 37 balls for the first wicket with Aiden Blizzard (20) before adding a further 60 for the second wicket with Hussey.
When Watson and Henry Nicholls (3) fell in successive overs to leave Thunder on 115 for three in the 14th over, Russell flexed his muscle in dominating a 60-run fourth wicket partnership with Hussey.
The right-handed Russell blasted three fours and four sixes before holing out in the deep off fast bowler Sean Abbott who finished with two for 41.
In reply, captain Nic Maddinson top-scored with 70 off 40 balls but wickets fell around him to derail the Sixers run chase.
Medium pacer Russell picked up a single wicket while seamer Clint McKay (3-16), off-spinner Chris Green (3-30) and leg-spinner Fawad Ahmed (3-39) and claimed three wickets each.
