Cricket

Big Bash League 2021-22

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'.&nbsp;Rib injury sustained one day before joining the StrikersThe 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.&nbsp;&nbsp;"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.&nbsp;"I dived on the boundary and it was hurting badly when I came here and started training with the Adelaide Strikers.&nbsp;"I missed the first couple of games and then the first three or four games I played in huge pain.&nbsp;"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.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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.

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'It's still hurting, I can't dive, and I can't slide,' Fawad Ahmed delivers match-winning performance with injured ribs

Australia’s star batter Steve Smith has been denied entry into the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) 2021-22 finals. The decision to reject Smith’s application to play for Sydney Sixers in the qualifying final against Perth Scorchers was stamped by Cricket Australia (CA) after other states voted against his participation.&nbsp;&nbsp;Earlier Smith was not a part of Sixers’ playing list in this season because he was expected to play the limited-overs series against New Zealand. However, after the indefinite postponement of New Zealand’s tour of Australia due to country’s Covid-19 guidelines, Smith became free to play in Australia’s domestic T20 league.&nbsp;Smith’s participation in the league’s finals is not possible due to a technicality. Smith was not on the list of BBL’s local replacement pool (LRP). The 32-year-old participating in BBL finals would have breached the rules that were put in place two weeks ago. Had Smith been on the LRP list, he would be playing for Sixers against Scorchers.&nbsp;"In creating the central LRP pool, it was agreed that clubs would not be able to contract LRPs from outside the pool for the remainder of the season," CA said in a statement on January 21.&nbsp;"This request was denied... noting that other players returning to the BBL from international duty have been retained on club lists throughout the competition," the board further said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Furious HenriquesAs a result, Sixers’ skipper Moises Henriques is furious over the decision as Smith was keen to make an appearance.&nbsp;&nbsp;"You have got a former Australian captain, one of the best players in the world," a disappointed Henriques told reporters on Friday.&nbsp;Henriques believes that the board’s decision did not just cost the franchise but the league as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;"You have got IPL teams who pay multi-million dollars just to have this guy as part of their franchise. Advertising, bums on seats, eyes on TVs – I mean, you do the maths,” he explained.&nbsp;The 34-year-old is in disbelief that CA are denying him entry on the basis of a rule that is now two weeks old and doesn’t matter due to the cancellation of limited-overs series.&nbsp;"And we're saying no because of a rule that is two weeks old in some COVID bubble hub. To me, I don't get it… I think it's sad for cricket, that's all," Henriques further added.&nbsp;"He's one of the best cricketers in the world and this tournament has lacked those names throughout the season at times. And you've got someone who wants to play basically for free, just to play, and you're robbing him the opportunity of it. It's pretty disappointing," Henriques concluded.

Explained: Why Cricket Australia denied Steve Smith entry into BBL 2021-22 finals?

Australia's T20 World Cup 2021 semi-final hero Matthew Wade was on fire in match 47 of the Big Bash League (BBL) as he steered his side Hobart Hurricanes home with an unbeaten 83 off 54 deliveries against Sydney Thunders. Last week, the player had taken an indefinite break from the game and missed the last two matches.&nbsp;It was Wade's second fifty of the BBL season, earlier he had smashed 93 runs against Sydney Sixers. Wade's match-winning knock saw the Hurricanes cement their place in the fourth position as they won by nine runs to thrash their opponents. Sensational return after indefinite break Earlier, Wade had taken an indefinite break from the game and was struggling with form. In his last four innings he had registered scores of 1, 1, 0 and 6. He was not part of the team for their last two BBL matches against Sydney Thunder and Brisbane Heat. The break though has helped him recharge his batteries as he looked fresher than ever in Melbourne. The skipper made sure he marked his return to the team with a sensational batting display. The 83-run knock consisting of eight fours and two sixes, could not have come at a better time for the veteran.&nbsp; 89-run stand with Caleb Jewell for second wicket Despite a slow start, Wade made sure there was no hesitancy as he along with Caleb Jewell (51 off 32), put together a second-wicket stand of 89 runs to put Hurricanes in a commanding position. The pair managed to see off Gurinder Sandhu and Daniel Sams and scored boundaries whenever the opportunity was presented. With wickets falling at regular intervals on the other end, Wade continued with his impressive show to remain unbeaten and guide his team to 177/6 in their 20 overs. Despite a bad start, the Thunders managed to give Hurricanes' bowlers a real tough time and were well on their course to a win when they won the Bash boost point. With 78 needed off 60 deliveries, it was a lack of concentration for the Thunders that cost them the match. Ultimately they fell short of the target by 10 runs, managing to score 168/9 in their 20 overs. Alex Hales (38) and Jason Sangha's (31) knocks were not enough for the Sydney-based franchise to secure a victory in the BBL. The win sees Hobart go on 24 points and almost guarantees a berth in the top four as the business end of the BBL 2021-22 approaches. For Wade though, this could be a perfect time to show why he is still one of the best Australian players in the shortest format of the game. So far, he has smashed 260 runs in 10 matches and he is gearing up for the playoffs to guide the Hurricanes to their maiden BBL title.&nbsp;

Returning from indefinite break, Australia's T20 WC semi-final hero smashes match-winning 83 

Jonathan Wells and Henry Thornton guided Adelaide Strikers to victory over a disappointing Melbourne Stars outfit by a margin of 23 runs in the Big Bash League match at the Adelaide Oval on Saturday (January 15). With this win Strikers moved up to the fourth position and keep their hopes alive for the next round of the competition.&nbsp;Put in to bat by the Stars, the Strikers made 155/6 in their stipulated 20 overs, with Wells smashing 73 from 49 balls including six fours and a six. Matt Short blasted 33 from 22 balls including five fours and a six, before he skied one off Clint Hinchliffe who snapped up the caught and bowled.&nbsp;Ian Cockbain made a run-a-ball 17 before he was dismissed by Hinchcliffe.&nbsp;Matt Renshaw was firstbatter out for the Strikers for two after he chopped on a ball from Sam Rainbird in the third over. Jake Weatherald struggled his way to a 23-ball 17 before being dismissed by Rainbird. Ahmad Daniyal then dismissed Thomas Kelly for five.&nbsp;The Melbourne Stars made 132/8 in reply to the Strikers’ 155, with Thornton taking 26/4. Glenn Maxwell was first man out for the Stars bowled by Henry Thornton for 16 after smashing two early sixes. Joe Clarke was next to go after he chopped on a ball from spinner Matt Short to be bowled for 9 from 11 balls.&nbsp;Hilton Cartwright smashed two fours and three sixes on his way to 49 before falling short of his half century when he was caught by Short to give Thornton his third scalp of the day. Thornton finished with figures of 26/4 after he picked Rainbird on the final ball of his spell.&nbsp;Returning Australian star Marcus Stoinis looked underdone as he was caught by Matt Short off Fawad Ahmed for just one after limited playing time this season. Joe Burns struggled with his strike rate on his way to 25 off 26 balls before he was bowled by Peter Siddle.&nbsp;The Strikers now moved to the fourth place and are a point ahead of Hobart Hurricanes while the Stars remained in sixth place with the Brisbane Heat placed seventh.&nbsp; Perth Scorchers are at the top position with 38 points and following them are the Sydney thunder with 31 points.

Wells, Thornton help Strikers down Stars to keep play-off hopes alive

Rashid Khan ended his Big Bash League (BBL) campaign for Adelaide Strikers in style by leading his team to a big win amidst a struggling season. The leg-spinner registered triggered a massive collapse from Brisbane Heat as they crumbled in the run chase going from 62/2 to 90 all out.&nbsp;&nbsp;Rashid took six wickets from his quota of four overs and conceded just 17 runs in his 300th T20 match. He became the third bowler in BBL history to take a six-wicket haul after Sri Lanka’s Lasith Malinga and New Zealand’s Ish Sodhi.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Afghan leggie was brought into the attack by skipper Peter Siddle right after the powerplay overs. He was hit for 11 runs in his first over of the match. In the next over, he turned the game on his head. Off the first ball of the over, Lachlan Pfeffer got run out and then Rashid got Sam Heazlett and Jake Lehmann out for respective first-ball ducks. He got another wicket of Will Prestwidge in his next over for a six-ball duck. In the 15th over he was on hat-trick again with Matthew Kuhnemann and Mujeeb’s wicket. He did not get his maiden BBL hat-trick but wrapped up Brisbane’s innings for 90 helping his team win by a big margin of 71 runs. Also, during the collapse as many as five batters got out for ducks.&nbsp;&nbsp;Earlier, Rashid did damage with the bat as well hitting two big sixes in the 15th over off Xavier Bartlett while coming to bat at no.5. He got out in a bizarre way trying to make room to free his arms. His countryman Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s delivery hit his pads and ricocheted to the stumps. The cameo specialist scored 13 runs off just four deliveries. With valuable contributions throughout, Strikers posted 161/4 after winning the toss and opting to bat first.&nbsp;He ended his BBL campaign as the highest wicket-taker with 20 wickets from 11 games to his name at an average of 13.95 and an impressive economy rate of 6.34. On the other hand, Strikers have had a horrible season as they are placed fifth on the points table with just three wins from 11 games and 17 points against their name.&nbsp;

Rashid Khan gets 5 batters out for ducks in record BBL six-fer in 300th T20 match

The Big Bash League's (BBL) Covid-19 crisis seems to be unending after the, Melbourne Stars skipper Glenn Maxwell, became the 13th player from the club to test positive for the deadly virus.&nbsp;On Wednesday (January 5), Maxwell was confirmed to have tested a positive rapid antigen test following the Melbourne derby against the Renegades on Monday and is now awaiting the results of a PCR test.&nbsp;The deadly impact of the Covid pandemic forced the Melbourne team to call-up Victorian club cricketers in order to field a full team for their last two games.&nbsp;Three other BBL clubs had previously reported cases of Covid-19, with Brisbane Heat yesterday (January 4) compelled to pull out of their match against the Sydney Sixers on the Gold Coast following the positive tests.&nbsp;Josh Kann identified as a close contactThe Scorchers and Sydney Thunder have also had players contract the virus, while Hobart Hurricanes allrounder Josh Kann was ruled out of the match against the Strikers after being identified as a close contact.&nbsp;There are rumours that all the eight teams can be moved to Victoria to allow flexibility in the fixtures if there are further positive cases and the league says the Gold Coast example has shown the significance of having multiple teams in the same location.&nbsp;"The League and Clubs have learned to be nimble in the current environment and we are pleased that we have found a solution to help safeguard all three matches so quickly," Cricket Australia’s General Manager of Big Bash Leagues, Alistair Dobson, said in an official statement.&nbsp;Players on edgeEarlier, Stars allrounder Hilton Cartwright confessed the unpredictability regarding the schedule and the spread of the virus in the Stars camp had left him and other players on edge.&nbsp;"I've never felt more vulnerable to a virus in my entire life and I never realised how much it was going to affect my mental state," Cartwright said.&nbsp;"Myself and my wife have basically been locked up in our room, not sure if we're capable of catching the lift in case someone in there might have caught (COVID-19).&nbsp;"My mental state wasn't in a great place about coming to your workplace and COVID is basically running rampant.”

Glenn Maxwell tests positive for Covid-19

Covid trouble has once again jolted the Big Bash League (BBL) with the clash between the Brisbane Heat and Sydney Sixers called off after 10 Brisbane players and five support staff have tested positive to the virus.&nbsp;This new development comes on the back of the crisis that has seen the Melbourne Stars forced to field a second string team with skipper Glenn Maxwell the latest player to test positive in their squad.&nbsp;On Wednesday (January 5), Maxwell was confirmed to have tested a positive rapid antigen test following the Melbourne derby against the Renegades on Monday and is now awaiting the results of a PCR test.&nbsp;Positive cases in three other clubsThree other BBL clubs had previously reported cases of Covid-19, with Brisbane Heat yesterday (January 4) compelled to pull out of their match against the Sydney Sixers on the Gold Coast following the positive tests.&nbsp;Earlier, Stars allrounder Hilton Cartwright confessed the unpredictability regarding the schedule and the spread of the virus in the Stars camp had left him and other players on edge.&nbsp;Vulnerable to virus"I've never felt more vulnerable to a virus in my entire life and I never realised how much it was going to affect my mental state," Cartwright said.&nbsp;"Myself and my wife have basically been locked up in our room, not sure if we're capable of catching the lift in case someone in there might have caught (COVID-19).&nbsp;"My mental state wasn't in a great place about coming to your workplace and COVID is basically running rampant.”

Covid trouble jolts BBL as 15 Heat players and staff test positive forcing match to be cancelled

As Jhye Richardson took the wicket of Steve O’Keefe to finish off the proceedings in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2022 final, Perth Scorchers celebrations grew wild. During Scorchers’ on-field celebration of record-fourth BBL title, Richardson copped a blow on the nose from one of the teammates’ shoulder.&nbsp;&nbsp;As the bleeding left the fast bowler with a bloody mouth, former Australian cricket Brad Hodge pulled him aside for a quick interview.&nbsp;&nbsp;“It's always interesting. Copped one on the nose from one of the shoulders. Only played two games. Special mention to all the boys for a job well done,” Richardson said while wiping the blood off his nose his jersey.&nbsp;&nbsp;The 25-year-old played a big role in Scorchers’ successful attempt to stop Sydney Sixers from winning third consecutive total. He played in just two matches – the qualifier and the final as he was part of Australia’s Ashes squad.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the two BBL matches he played in the season, he had similar bowling figures. In the qualifier, he got the wicket of opener Josh Phillippe and skipper Moises Henriques to break the back of Sixers’ run chase. In addition, he conceded just 21 runs from his four overs.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the final, he was economical with the new ball and then mopped up the tail quickly by getting the wickets of tailenders Nathan Lyon and O’Keefe. In 3.2 overs he bowled, he conceded just 20 runs.&nbsp;&nbsp;Before joining Scorchers in the final stages of the tournament, the Western Australia seamer got a chance to play in the pink-ball Adelaide Test as skipper Pat Cummins missed out the game after coming in close contact of Covid-19 affected individual. Richardson made it count by picking up a fifer in the second innings to end England’s resistance after he remained wicketless in the first innings.&nbsp;&nbsp;After five-wicket haul in Adelaide, Richardson did not play a single match in the remainder of the Ashes as he injured his left foot and shin. Due to this, he has also pulled out of the upcoming Australia’s tour of Pakistan.

Jhye Richardson left with a bloody nose as Perth Scorchers’ BBL final celebrations go wild

England’s uncapped wicketkeeper-batter has turned out to be the saviour for a struggling Adelaide Strikers. The Peter Siddle-led side was struggling after an inconsistent run but Cockbain was one of the reasons why the Strikers have made it to the Big Bash League (BBL) 2021-22 playoffs with a comprehensive win against Sydney Sixers in their final league game.&nbsp;&nbsp;Not long ago, Cockbain was playing for Langwarrin Cricket Club in Victoria as his wife who is from Adelaide came to Australia. The 34-year-old was not even on Strikers' list but he was roped in for the ending stages of the season last week.&nbsp;In his third BBL appearance, Cockbain not only anchored the run chase but helped his side register a comprehensive win by chasing down the 162-run target with 15 balls to spare. Batting at no.3, the Liverpool-born cricketer scored an unbeaten 71-run knock off 42 deliveries including five fours and four sixes. He shared crucial partnerships with opener Matt Renshaw and Jonathan Wells to take his team home. Renshaw was the second-highest run-scorer with 50 runs off 31 deliveries.&nbsp;&nbsp;Earlier Fawad Ahmed’s 3/16 helped Strikers restrict Sixers for 161/7. Apart from Justin Avendano’s 29-ball 51 laced with five sixes, no Sixers’ batter made a mark as they posted a mediocre total at Adelaide Oval.&nbsp;&nbsp;Strikers' turnaround, another opportunity for CockbainWith 28 points from 14 games including six wins, Siddle-led Strikers made it to the knockout stage. Strikers saved their best for last as they registered four consecutive wins. Cockbain made his BBL debut after Rashid Khan’s record six-wicket haul rejuvenated their chances to reach playoffs with a massive win over Brisbane Heat.&nbsp;&nbsp;Against Perth Scorchers, he scored a sensible unbeaten 35-run knock in an easy run chase after Strikers’ bowlers restricted them for 127/9. In his second match, he could score a 17-run knock against Melbourne Stars. But Cockbain’s best performance came at a right time as he grabbed the attention of Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Karachi Kings for the upcoming season. He replaced an injured Tom Abell in the league.&nbsp;&nbsp;The BBL playoffs will begin from January 21 as four more fixtures at the league stage remain. It is yet to be announced who Strikers will go up against in the playoffs.

Uncapped England wicketkeeper-batter's unbeaten 71 changes Adelaide Strikers' fortunes, through to BBL playoffs

Australia’s hard-hitting batter Glenn Maxwell broke records in his 100th Big Bash League (BBL) game. Maxwell scored the first ever 150 in the history of BBL helping Melbourne Stars break the record for highest innings total of the competition with 273/2 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on January 19. Stars surpassed the previous record of highest innings total set by Sydney Thunder (232/5) by a big margin. The 272-run total is also the second-highest total in the format and highest in franchise cricket.&nbsp;Maxwell also scored the second-fastest century in the league’s history. Maxwell reached his second BBL hundred of the season off just 41 deliveries. The record for the fastest BBL century belongs to former Perth Scorchers’ batter Craig Simmons who breached the three figures off just 39 deliveries. On the other hand, Marcus Stoinis held the record for highest score of unbeaten 147 in the league.&nbsp;&nbsp;Opening the innings for Melbourne Stars, skipper Maxwell took the attacking approach from the second over itself against Hobart Hurricanes bowlers. He reached his half-century from just 20 deliveries in the last over of the powerplay overs. It Is also the second-fastest fifty by a Stars’ batter.&nbsp;Maxwell continued to hit big and reached his century in the 11th over of Stars’ innings. Batting at no.4, Stoinis joined Maxwell in the middle in 12th over. The two shared an unbeaten 132-run partnership for the third wicket off just 66 deliveries. The Aussie all-rounder reached his half-century off just 23 deliveries in the penultimate over of the innings.&nbsp;&nbsp;Maxwell reached his 150 off 62 balls on the first ball of the final over of the innings. The 33-year-old carried his bat for 154 off 64 deliveries including 22 fours and four sixes. He also holds the record for most fours in an innings by a batter in BBL. He scored 112 runs in his innings via fours and sixes which is the highest in the league. On the other hand, Stoinis remained unbeaten 75 off 31 deliveries including four fours and six sixes.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hurricanes skipper Matthew Wade used as many as eight bowlers in the innings but could not stop the flow of boundaries against a rampant Maxwell and Stoinis.

Maxwell hits first ever 150 in BBL history, guides Stars to record-breaking 273/2 with Stoinis

Former India U-19 skipper Unmukt Chand played a breezy innings of 29 off just 22 balls against Sydney Thunder in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) 2021, played on Wednesday (January 19). But his innings along with skipper Aaron Finch’s 82&nbsp; runs off 64 balls could not prove to be enough as their side Melbourne Renegades lost the BBL match by 1 run.&nbsp;After coming to bat, Chand defended the first ball but from the second ball he seemed to be on fire as he hooked Daniel Sams for a six. Chand’s innings was comprised of 1 boundary and 2 sixes.&nbsp;After the match, Chand in his tweet said that it was his “dream come moment” for him to play at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).&nbsp;Previously, Chand had became the first Indian male cricketer to play in BBL after he played against Hobart Hurricanes. But he only managed to score 6 runs off 8 balls in that fixture.&nbsp;Chand's tweet“It's been a dream come true 2 play at the @MCG. Felt a childlike energy entering the G. Not the result we wanted, nonetheless, a gud outing. Hopefully can take a lot of +ves frm this &amp; apply on my nxt &amp; coming adventures. Feels good 2 be back on the big stage. @BBL @RenegadesBBL," he had tweeted.&nbsp;Batting first, Thunder posted a total of 170 for 8 wickets in 20 overs. Skipper Usman Khawja scored 77 runs off 51 balls and his innings was comprised of 8 boundaries and a six. Another opener, Alex Hales also gave skipper Khwaja a good support as the English batter scored 44 off 22 balls.&nbsp;Later, Ben Cutting (20 runs off 22 balls) and Nathan McAndrew (13 runs off 7 deliveries) helped their side in reaching a formidable total of &nbsp;170 runs.&nbsp;Boyce picks up five wicktetsFor Renegades, their Aussie bowler Cameron Boyce proved to be a handy option after the 32-year-old spinner picked up five wickets.&nbsp;&nbsp;In reply, Renegades skipper Finch started off convincingly as he went to score a half-century but the captain did not get enough support from his other batsmen as his team eventually had to concede a heartbreaking defeat by just a single run.

Unmukt Chand makes up for unimpressive debut with impactful cameo in BBL

The Perth Scorchers rode on skipper Ashton Turner's fiery 69-run blitz as they took revenge for last season's Big Bash League grand final defeat to the Sydney Sixers in a cracker of a contest in Coffs Harbour on Sunday (January 9).&nbsp;Scorchers easily chased down the 152-run target set by Sydney with five wickets to spare as another Ashton - Ashton Agar (2/23) played the second fiddle with his impressive bowling. Those two wickets also took him past 100 BBL career scalps.&nbsp;The Scorchers started the chase poorly after losing two wickets in two Ben Dwarshius balls, falling to 2/17 in the third over.&nbsp;Kurtis Patterson tried to pull him and lobbed one to a retreating Dan Christian, while Cameron Bancroft stepped back and chopped the ball down onto his own stumps. Laurie Evans was then dismissed by Pakistani spinner Shadab Khan, sweeping one directly to Jack Edwards’ waiting hands in the deep, to leave the Scorchers 3/44 in the seventh over. But then comes Turner who turned the tide with his magnificent 69 off 41 which was loaded with two big ones and seven boundaries.&nbsp;The chase could have derailed further had Turner been caught the following over. Turner – at this stage on 11 - top-edged a slog sweep off Todd Murphy’s bowling that went directly behind the keeper to Jackson Bird, who made a diving attempt but completely missed the ball. Later, on 41, Turner was dropped by Hughes as he skied a Dwarshuis ball.&nbsp;Hughes ran back from mid off with a diving catch to take the dropping ball, but he snatched at the ball and it popped out of his hands.&nbsp;Hughes made amends - off Bird’s bowling no less – as he caught Turner on the boundary for 69. But the Scorchers, with 135/4, were already home and hosed by that point.&nbsp;Aaron Hardie (35 off 31) fell in the 19th over to leave the Scorchers 144/5, but Ashton Agar and Chris Sabburg comfortably guided the WA side home with an over and five wickets to spare.&nbsp;The Scorchers restricted the Sixers to 151/4 after the Sixers won the bat flip and elected to bat first. Jordan Silk (26 not out off 22) and Dan Christian (35 not out off 20) again provided some late resistance for the Sydney side to help post a defendable total but their efforts went in vain in the end.

Perth Scorchers settle old score with Sydney Sixers with an emphatic 5-wicket victory

The Big Bash League (BBL) administration on Saturday (January 8) confirmed the rescheduling of the 2020-21 season after the latest outbreak of Covid-19. All the players, staff and officials will now be based in Victoria for the remainder of the competition to ensure the safety of all those associated with the league.&nbsp;&nbsp;Strict bio-security bubbles will be implemented to carry the smooth and efficient functioning of the Big Bash League and in order to avoid any sort of wider community contacts. The newly implemented schedule is adjusted for the current week of January 10 to January 16.&nbsp;Official statement“The past week has thrown many COVID-related challenges the Big Bash's way, but throughout we have remained steadfast in our resolve to safely and successfully complete the season. These changes are designed to help the League and Clubs deliver on this, while also reducing risks to players, support staff, and the matches themselves. Having our players based in one state provides significantly greater flexibility to manage any further impacts of COVID-19," Cricket Australia's (CA) General Manager of the BBL, Alistair Dobson said.&nbsp;The rescheduled matches will be played at GMBHA stadium and Marvel stadium in Melbourne. The former ground is known to serve as the home ground of the Australian football team Western United, which take part in the top tier of the A-League. As of now, Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) will also serve as one of the venues for the BBL.&nbsp;The city of Melbourne is expected to remain as a busy place for the upcoming period of time as the Australian Open is also scheduled to start on January 17.&nbsp;Rearranged Schedule for the BBL (January 10-16)Eleven matches will take place in seven days.&nbsp;Matches at six venuesAdelaide Oval, Gabba, GMHBA Stadium, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Marvel Stadium and Sydney Cricket Ground.&nbsp;The postponed match between Perth Scorchers and Melbourne Stars will be played on January 11 instead of December 30.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Adelaide Strikers and Melbourne Stars match has been postponed from December 7 to January 15.&nbsp;Three doubleheaders will be played in Victoria - January 10 (MCG), 11 (GMHBA Stadium), and 13 (Marvel Stadium).&nbsp;Two additional double-header match days across two venues will be staged on January 8 (as previously scheduled) and January 15.

All you need to know about the rescheduled Big Bash League

Daniel Sams lit up the Marvel stadium with a destructive 44-ball 98 not out.&nbsp; Batting at number four, the all-rounder smashed the Melbourne Renegades to all parts of the ground, helping Sydney Thunders to post a mammoth 209/7 in 20 overs.&nbsp;In the absence of Sam billings, Sams was promoted up the order. He launched his innings with a huge 100m six on just the second ball he faced. The New South Wales cricketer struck a total of eight sixes and seven boundaries. He finished with a strike-rate of 222.73. He reached his third BBL half-century in just 27 balls and carried on till the end. Needing six of the last ball to get to a maiden BBl century, Sams could only score a four.&nbsp;Renegades won the toss and elected to field, and the Thunders took full advantage, putting on a total of 209/7 in their 20 overs. Along with Sams, Alex Hales scored 63 off 28. Kane Richardson took two wickets for the Renegades.&nbsp;In reply, the Renegades found themselves struggling at 46/6 in the seventh over. Pakistan pacer Mohammad Hasnain (3/23) took the last two wickets with successive deliveries, bowling Renegades' top-scorer James Seymour (25) and Zahir Khan for zero to take his tally of wickets to six in just two games. The Renegades were eventually all out for 80 and the Thunders won by 129 runs.&nbsp;The Thunders' fifth straight victory takes them up to second position in the points table, above cross-town rivals Sydney Sixers.

BBL: Kohli's RCB teammate Sams strikes ‘Thunder’ with a swashbuckling 98 off 44

Perth Scorchers made short work of a depleted Sydney Sixers’ side to win their fourth Big Bash League (BBL) title. The Ashton Turner-led side continued their dominance over Moises Henriques’ Sixers with a massive 79-run win at Docklands Stadium, Melbourne. Chasing a stiff target of 172, Sixers were bundled out for 92 with 22 balls still left in the innings.&nbsp;Monumental collapseSixers’ run chase got off to a poor start as the hero of qualifier against Adelaide Strikers, Hayden Kerr got out for two runs in the second over to Jason Behrendorff. Inexperienced opener Nicholas Bertus could not make an impact either with run-a-ball 15. Back after injury, Daniel Hughes turned out to be the only batter who showed some fight as Scorchers’ bowlers rushed through Sixers’ lineup. With Hughes getting out for a 33-ball 42, Sixers could not add much to the score and collapsed. The defending champions lost seven wickets for just 30 runs. Experienced campaigners Henriques and Christian got out for single-digit scores as they crumbled under pressure. Andrew Tye was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets to his name. Tye was on a hat-trick in the 14th over which Nathan Lyon survived. Jhye Richardson took two wickets whereas other four bowlers picked up one wicket each.&nbsp;Early collapseEarlier, after winning the toss, Henriques asked Scorchers to bat first. Henriques’ plan worked in the powerplay overs as Scorchers were reduced to 25/4 in six overs. Jackson Bird got the wicket of opener Kurtis Patterson whereas spinners did the rest. Left-arm spinner Steve O’Keefe got rid of Josh Inglis. On the other end, Lyon got two big wickets of Mitchell Marsh and Colin Munro.&nbsp;&nbsp;Match-winning counter-attackSkipper Turner and Laurie Evans changed the game in the middle overs with a 104-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Turner scored 54 runs off 35 deliveries whereas Evans continued the onslaught in the slog overs. Ashton Agar contributed with a 15-run cameo but Evans remained unbeaten for a match-winning 76-run knock off 41 deliveries including four fours and as many sixes. His knock helped Scorchers post 171/6. O’Keefe was the most expensive bowler as he conceded 43 runs despite taking two wickets.&nbsp;In the first qualifier clash, Scorchers had beaten Sixers by 48 runs. For Sixers, players affected by Covid-19 and injuries led to them fielding a depleted side. Also, they did not get permission to include star batter Steve Smith in the final.

Recovering from 25/4, Perth Scorchers beat Sydney Sixers by 79 runs to win record fourth BBL final

Sydney Sixers overcame numerous challenges on and off-the-field to beat a red-hot Adelaide Strikers and book a rematch with Perth Scorchers in the final after a humiliating 48-run defeat in the first qualifier. Hard-hitting batter Hayden Kerr promoted to the top of the order in absence of Covid-19 positive Josh Phillipe and unfit Daniel Hughes, scored an unbeaten 98 to guide Sixers to a four-wicket in the final-ball thriller at Sydney Cricket Ground.&nbsp;&nbsp;Change in order worksChasing a tricky total of 168, Kerr single-handedly took charge of the run chase while Justin Avendano struggled in the powerplay overs and managed just one runs off eight deliveries. Jake Carden too disappointed with a 13-ball 10 followed by skipper Moises Henriques’ 16-ball 13 and veteran all-rounder Daniel Christian’s disappointing one-run knock. Despite mediocre batting at the other end, Kerr kept Strikers’ skipper Peter Siddle on his toes. Siddle also rued the missed opportunity in the fourth over when Matt Renshaw an easy chance of Kerr’s when the latter was batting for just 19.&nbsp;&nbsp;Much-needed supportThe 25-year-old reached his half-century off 31 deliveries in the 11th over. With four wickets down, Sixers were on track in the run chase with 101 runs from 14.1 overs. Finally, Kerr found some support in Sean Abbott who scored 41 runs off just 20 balls including two fours and two sixes.&nbsp;&nbsp;Dramatic final overAbbott was quick between the wickets too but lost his wicket off the first ball of the final over with 12 more needed from five deliveries. Ben Dwarshuis, the half-centurion of previous match got promoted to no.7, but he got run out for a duck trying to help Kerr get back on strike. New batter Jordan Silk managed a single off the third delivery. When Sixers needed 10 off final three deliveries, Kerr cleared the boundary and hit Harry Conway for a maximum. He followed it up with a couple of runs. Before the final ball, Silk walked off the field almost limping to give chance to debutant wicketkeeper-batter Jay Lenton as all three results were possible. But off the final delivery, Kerr held his shape and flicked one towards deep mid-wicket where the fielder fumbled, and the ball went for boundary.&nbsp;&nbsp;Unreal numbersKerr missed a well-deserved century as he remained unbeaten for 98 off 58 deliveries including 10 fours and two sixes. It was also his maiden half-century in T20 cricket. Before the encounter, he had 87 runs from just 11 innings.&nbsp;Worst possible startAfter Henriques asked Strikers to bat first, the visitors got off to a poor start losing three wickets for just 21 runs in form of Alex Carey, Matthew Short and Travis Head. Once again, mid-season English recruit Ian Cockbain steadied the ship. Cockbain shared a crucial 83-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Jonathan Wells. The wicketkeeper-batter scored 48 runs off 42 deliveries including two fours and two sixes.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ideal finishStrikers recovered very well as they scored 105 runs from the last 10 overs. Matt Renshaw contributed with an unbeaten 20-ball 36 cameo including three fours and two sixes. Wells walked off the field 67 not out from 52 balls including five fours and one six. The two shared a 63-run partnership for the fifth wicket from 34 deliveries. For Sixers, Abbott was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets in his four overs, conceding 27 runs.

Hayden books Sydney Sixers' rematch with Perth Scorchers in BBL final with unbeaten 98 in eventful last over

Ben McDermott continued his purple patch as he went past 50 for the fourth time in BBL 11. His knock of 93 from 61 balls helped the Hobart Hurricanes cruise to victory over the Brisbane Heat at the Gabba. McDermott’s innings helped the visitors chase down the target of 145 with ease.&nbsp;After he closed out 2021 with a pair of history-making hundreds, McDermott's innings tonight was a more measured effort, coming as it did in pursuit of a mediocre 8/144 from the Heat, who were still missing a dozen members of their regular squad with COVID-19.&nbsp;McDermott’s controlled innings helped him to become the leading run-scorer in BBL history. He also shared a 117-run partnership with Peter Handscomb who remained unbeaten at 27 off 33. &nbsp;Hurricanes are now in the fourth spot on the points table.&nbsp;Lachlan grinds it out for Heats&nbsp;Batting first Heat could only manage a 144/8. Lachlan Pfeffer top scored with 69 off 51. Barring Pfeffer no one else got going in the batting department. Promoted to no.3 after batting at six two days ago, 30-year-old Lachlan Pfeffer held the Heat innings together.&nbsp;With 2/23 Sandeep Lamichanne was the pick of Hobart bowlers. The Nepal spinner proved his worth in the shortest format yet again. Mitchell oven picked 2/25 while Tim David picked 1/17.&nbsp;Defending a mediocre score , Brisbane bowlers never really stood a chance as the Hurricane batters marched on to the target . Will Prestwidge was the only Heat bowler to get wickets as he finished with 2/37.

Hurricane alert: McDermott’s sensational 93 off 61 blows Heat away at the Gabba

Perth Scorchers have been docked one Bash point for using Brayden Stepien incorrectly in a Big Bash League (BBL) 2021-22 game against Adelaide Strikers. Stepien was used incorrectly as a central replacement player by the Scorchers. However, the deduction will have no effect on the team's final position. According to Cricket Australia (CA) Code of Conduct Commission, Perth Scorchers were found guilty by Alan Sullivan, commissioner of the QC. According to his verdict, the player was ineligible to be part of the team as he kept wickets for 14 overs in the encounter against the Strikers. He came on for Laurie Evans, who was injured and had to sit out. The Scorchers also missed Josh Inglis, as he was called to the Australian national team for the recently-concluded Ashes 2021-22. As the rule book states, a player has to be in the squad list on official terms before being drafted into the team as a substitute. Stepien was not named in the official squad before the start of the match and was therefore ineligible to be part of the team. His involvement has now cost the team a Bash point, for the breach of the rule. One of the main reasons for the incident is the rising Covid-19 cases which had forced Cameron Bancroft to sit out, as he was contracted the virus. It was also confirmed that the Adelaide Strikers were not awarded the Bash point and will have no impact on their outcome. In the middle of this saga, the Scorchers management has requested the CA to host their finals at the Marvel Stadium to avoid any further spread of the pandemic and potential postponements. "The League's firm belief is that we must work together with our clubs to do all we can to protect the finals series using the lessons from the season so far," BBL General Manager Alistair Dobson said in reference to the request made by the Scorchers. "As such, we have made the difficult decision to stage the first week of the finals series in Melbourne. This decision provides all participating clubs the best possible chance of participating in a finals match with the strongest squad available,” he added. &nbsp;The playoffs of the BBL will start on Friday (January 21) with the venues yet to be finalised.

Perth Scorchers penalised for using a player incorrectly

India’s Under-19 World Cup-winning captain Unmukt Chand created history at Docklands Stadium, Melbourne as he became the first Indian male cricketer to play in Big Bash League (BBL) 2021-22.&nbsp;&nbsp;Unimpressive debutThe former Indian cricketer came in to bat at no.5 in the 15th over of Melbourne Renegades’ run chase against Hobart Hurricanes. Renegades needed 45 more runs from 31 deliveries to win the match with skipper Aaron Finch set on the other end.&nbsp;At the start of the innings, Chand was troubled by the pace of Riley Meredith, who was picked by Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the previous edition of IPL 2021 for Rs 8 crore.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the 18th over, the 28-year-old showed first signs of aggression but it led to his departure. The Delhi-born batter tried to take on Nepal leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane but got caught at the mid-wicket boundary. He scored just six runs from eight deliveries.&nbsp;&nbsp;Finch’s knock in vainThe slow knock from the Indian batter changed the course of the match for Renegades. Finch’s valiant knock came to an end in the penultimate over. Australia’s white-ball skipper scored 75 runs off 42 deliveries including six fours and four sixes. After Shaun Marsh’s 51-run knock, he did not get much support from the other end as Renegades finished the season with a defeat by six runs.&nbsp;Earlier, Matthew Wade-led Hurricanes posted a challenging total of 182/5 on the board. Despite getting in-form batter Ben McDermott early in powerplay overs, Hurricanes did well in the powerplay overs. Opener Caleb Jewell scored 28-ball 35 whereas skipper Wade missed his half-century by two runs. The wicketkeeper-batter scored 48 runs from 39 deliveries including four fours and one six. D’Arcy Short contributed too with his 22-ball 37 but it was Tim David who helped Hurricanes finish with a flourish. David hit four sixes and two fours in his unbeaten 20-ball 46.&nbsp;Forgettable season for ChandChand was ignored from Renegades’ 12 clashes despite a dismal run in the season. It was followed by a cryptic tweet from Chand last week which read, “Feels more like a vacation. Thanks Melbourne!!”. In the end, he was given a chance in a dead rubber for Renegades as they were already out of the playoffs contention.

Unmukt Chand creates history with mere 6-run knock in 6-run defeat on BBL debut

Perth Scorchers beat Melbourne Stars by 50 runs in a Big Bash League (BBL) match played on January 2 (Sunday) at the Junction Oval, Melbourne.&nbsp;&nbsp;Stars, while chasing 180 runs got off to a flying start after their openers created a solid partnership of 78 runs off 51 balls. But Melbourne’s batsmen utterly failed to make full use of the good start produced by two openers- Joe Clarke (52 off 32 balls) and Thomas Rogers (32 off 25 balls) and lost their remaining 9 wickets within just 52 runs.&nbsp;A total batting collapseApart from the two openers, only Charlie Wakim (20 off 24 balls) and Hilton Cartwright (12 off 10 balls) managed to reach the two-digit mark. Middle order’s poor batting display meant Stars could somehow reach a mere total of 130 runs in 18.5 overs, falling 50 runs short of their target.&nbsp;&nbsp;For Scorchers, English fast bowler Tymal Mills picked up three wickets. &nbsp;&nbsp;Earlier, Perth Scorchers skipper Ashton Turner won the toss and chose to bat first.&nbsp;&nbsp;Opener Cameron Bancroft was sent back to the pavilion only in the third over of the innings after the Aussie managed to score just 5 runs. But the other opener, Curtis Patterson, played a superb knock and scored a half-century to help his side in reaching a commendable total of 180 for 8 wickets.&nbsp;&nbsp;The 28-year-old Aussie scored 54 off just 39 deliveries and his innings was comprised of 4 boundaries and 2 sixes. Patterson looked pretty dangerous but Pakistan’s Haris Rauf eventually picked up the crucial wicket in the 12th over of the innings.&nbsp;&nbsp;Patterson wanted to play a pull shot but eventually managed to play it squarer than he would have liked and ended it playing it down to Wakim at deep square leg.&nbsp;Colin Munro played another gutsy innings of 40 off just 20 balls. The Kiwi hit 4 sixes to frustrate the opponent bowlers.&nbsp;&nbsp;Melbourne Stars bowlers would surely be disappointed after they conceded 18 extra runs. Rauf and Afghanistan’s Qais Ahmad picked up two wickets each for the Melbourne side.&nbsp;Bizarre incidentMeanwhile, skipper Turner and umpire Bruce Oxenford got involved in a pretty bizarre incident after the latter strangely reversed his decision after initially giving the batter out caught behind.&nbsp;Turner tried to pull a delivery but missed it and the ball went to wicketkeeper Joe Clarke.&nbsp;A noise was heard as the ball passed Turner, with Oxenford giving the Scorchers skipper out caught behind.&nbsp;But Oxenford became thoughtful suddenly and started pondering his decision. Turner wasted no time in yelling out “helmet”.&nbsp;&nbsp;Replays eventually proved Turner to be correct as the ball did miss the bat and come off the helmet.

Stars suffer monumental collapse in run chase, lose 10 wickets within 52 runs

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