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Glenn Maxwell did score an astonishing century to help his side Melbourne Stars to reach a formidable total of 177 for 5 in 20 overs but eventually it was Josh Philippe’s unbeaten 99 off 61 deliveries that guided his side Sydney Sixers to a thrilling seven-wicket win with just two balls remaining in Big Bash League (BBL) 2021-22 encounter.
Philippe hit a six off the final ball of the innings to fall agonisingly short of becoming the first ever Sixers batter to score a BBL century. Although his knock was as good as Maxwell’s and contributed to the team's win.
Sixers won the toss and elected to bowl first and the decision paid off as both the Stars openers departed after scoring just three runs. But then it was Stars skipper Glenn Maxwell turn to shine.
The Aussie all-rounder scored 103 runs off just 57 balls, his first BBL ton. His innings comprised of 12 fours and 3 sixes. Sixers got an opportunity to dismiss Maxwell early in his innings but Lloyd Pope dropped the Australia all-rounder and it later proved to be a costly mistake.
“That was a brutal innings,” Australian teammate Aaron Finch said on Fox Cricket.
Sixers skipper Moises Henriques used eight different bowlers in order to stop the free flow of runs. Sixers became just the second team in the history of BBL to use so many bowlers in an innings.
In reply, defending champions Sixers did not get off to solid start after opener James Vince departed after scoring just nine from nine balls. Skipper Henriques started to look dangerous but eventually the 34-year old Aussie all-rounder was dismissed for 29 off 20 balls. Henriques-Philippe duo added 54 runs for the first wicket.
Henriques failed to pick up Adam Zampa’s length and it was hit on the back pad in front of the middle. Daniel Hughes scored 11 before he was caught and bowled by Brody Couch.
Philippe's winning shot earned a victory for the Sixers and helped his team to move to the top of the table. Stars on the other hand, still remain at third spot.
Philippe might not have managed to score the century but the Player of the Match award and his side’s victory must have been a breather for him.
