That was closer than it probably should have been, but cricket in knockout games - for better or worse - is defined by whether you get there, not how. And the fact is, Thunder will be there, at the final, against Hurricanes. That'll be on the 27th, it's an evening game. Hope it's another thriller. Hope to see you there, thanks for joining in here.
Sam Billings, POTM: Didn't play our perfect game, but hope we'll save it for the final. We're finding our way and are happy. (First final in nine years) Great thing about this tournament is we've played two finals in quick succession. We've got experience who'll keep the youngsters calm. Warner's attitude is infectious. As an Englishman saying that, a few people would be questioning that statement. But he's played and led brilliantly. All to play for, against the best team, in their home. Really looking forward to it.
Chsrlie: "Thankfully the Great Gilkes robbery didn't cost the Thunder."
10:30pm: The voodoo is done, Thunder have finally beat Sixers, and it's taken them to their first BBL final since 2015/16. Warner, the leading run-scorer, led them nicely in the field. They came bang, bang in the powerplay but couldn't get too far ahead as the openers fell quickly. Gilkes and Billings made crucial contributions. Gilkes' run out was interesting. Thunder's modus operandus was to get ones and twos as the asking rate didn't balloon. They gambled a bit between the wickets but got the running right and the key boundaries at the death. Sixers, on their part, kept the lid on the boundaries in the middle overs, but didn't have enough on the board in the end.
Sixers' fans walking out. Thunder's team prepping celebrations
Colin: "Billings would do well here to get his 50 " He has
Around
Luke: "I eat my words…" It's okay, man. We've all been there
Run-a-ball needed in the last two
END OF OVER:18 | 11 Runs 1 Wkt | ST: 140/6 (12 runs required from 12 balls, RR: 7.77, RRR: 6.00)
- Sam Billings42 (29b)
- Nathan McAndrew3 (2b)
- Hayden Kerr4-0-35-2
- Jack Edwards3-0-19-1
ankur baid : "It's all upto billings now,"
Ryan: "@Luke, are we watching the same game? Strikers fan here and I'm a cat on a hot tin roof watching this game. Gilkes robbed, Thunder make me chunder! Tight!
Manoj: "2 overs before they should've opt for Surge !!"
Applause baked into the run-up
GHS Garton b Kerr 2 (4m 3b 0x4 0x6) SR: 66.66
The Power Surge has been taken. Kerr the bowler. 23 needed off 18
END OF OVER:17 | 8 Runs 1 Wkt | ST: 129/5 (23 runs required from 18 balls, RR: 7.58, RRR: 7.66)
- George Garton1 (1b)
- Sam Billings35 (27b)
- Jack Edwards3-0-19-1
- Hayden Kerr3-0-24-1
Luke: "I hate this type of game, where the batting team knows they can knock the ball around, and bowlers will let them, most boring type of t20 cricket" Yeah, but wickets can make it interesting
CJ Green b Edwards 15 (16m 14b 1x4 0x6) SR: 107.14
