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It was an inspired performance from injury-struck Fawad Ahmed as he helped Adelaide Strikers beat Big Bash League (BBL) leaders Perth Scorchers by six wickets. The Pakistan-born leg-spinner took three wickets for 30 runs in his four overs to restrict mighty Perth for a below par 127/9 in the first innings. The win keeps their slightest hopes of making the playoffs alive. It is worth noting that Ahmed has been struggling with rib injury ever since the start of the campaign. The outstanding performance also meant that he was adjudged ‘Man of the Match'.
Rib injury sustained one day before joining the Strikers
The right-arm spinner was injured in a Premier Cricket side match playing for Melbourne University. The very next day he went on to sign for Adelaide Strikers but has struggled badly to regain full fitness in the entire season so far.
"I think it was just before coming (to Adelaide), a day before, I played a game for Melbourne Uni in grade cricket," Fawad told Fox Cricket after the match.
"I dived on the boundary and it was hurting badly when I came here and started training with the Adelaide Strikers.
"I missed the first couple of games and then the first three or four games I played in huge pain.
"I'm getting a bit more pain on the side rather than on the ribs and it's swollen big time … it's still hurting, I can't dive, and I can't slide," the 39-year-old added.
Ahmed dismissed opener Kurtis Patterson (25), Laurie Evans (39) and tailender Jason Behrendorff (0). He also bowled with an economy of 7.50. Chasing a 128-run total, there were no real issues for the Strikers as they got over the line with 18 balls to spare and also earned a Bash boost point. Debutant Ian Cockbain ended as the top-scorer with 35 off 24 deliveries.
The standout performances might have come too little, too late for the Strikers as they struggle to get into the top four with two league matches remaining. In the last match, Rashid Khan's record six-wicket haul also helped Peter Siddle-led side register a big win against Brisbane Heat. The win against league leaders helps them to 20 points from 12 matches, four behind Hobart Hurricanes who are in fourth position. The win was their fourth of the season while opponents Perth, despite the defeat sit at the top of the pile with 37 points and are well in preparation for the playoffs.
