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

Sydney Sixers have been dealt a heavy blow ahead of their Big Bash League (BBL) playoff clash with Adelaide Strikers after Josh Philippe tested positive for Covid-19. The blow adds salt to the injury for the Sixers who were unable to register Steve Smith for their playoff encounter against Perth Scorchers last week. As things stand, the Sydney squad remains depleted with a feisty contest in hands against Strikers. A tweet from ‘cricketcomau’ confirmed the news and read, “A massive blow for the Sixers with Josh Philippe ruled out of BBL Finals due to COVID. Head to the CA Live app for the latest squad details ahead of tonight's Challenger final #BBL11.” The 24-year-old former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) wicketkeeper-batter will be a major miss for the defending champions as he was a vital player for the team in winning the BBL title in the 2020 and 2021 seasons. In 15 matches so far this season, he has racked 429 runs at an average of 33.00 with a best score of 99 not out against Melbourne Stars back in December. He is the highest scorer for the Sixers this season and will leave big shoes to fill in for the remaining encounters. According to reports, Nick Bertus will don the gloves for the pink army, who has brief experience at the domestic level with New South Wales (NSW) and also captains the Parramatta side in the Premier Cricket. He was drafted into the squad ahead of their qualifier encounter against Perth Scorchers last week, where the Sixers stumbled to 55/7 before they lost dismally by 48 runs while chasing a target of 190 runs. The Sixers finished second in the BBL league standings on 35 points and qualified for the playoffs as runner ups, giving them two shots of reaching the final. They will now have to be at their fluent best, without Philippe, who will be the missing piece in the puzzle.&nbsp;&nbsp;Philippe was capped 10 times by the Australian senior side in T20Is while he also played three ODIs after the breakthrough season. He was adjudged 'Man of the Tournament' in the last season of BBL as the Sixers won the competition. He was previously associated with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Former RCB player ruled out of Sydney Sixers' BBL playoff after testing positive for Covid-19

Sydney Sixers all-rounder Daniel Christian has taken to the social media ahead of the Big Bash League (BBL) final against Perth Scorchers on Friday (January 28) to address his team's inability to field a fully fit playing XI. The Sixers are struggling to put together a fully fit squad due to the outbreak of Covid-19 in their camp. The defending champions have made it to their third consecutive final to defend their crown, but with star players unavailable, Christian took a dig at Cricket Australia (CA). The board recently disallowed Steve Smith from joining the Sixers squad while Josh Philippe, their highest scorer in the current season, was ruled out due to Covid-19. Also, Daniel Hughes was unfit for the match and Jordan Silk limped off the field in the qualifier against Adelaide Strikers. &nbsp;In the early hours of Thursday (January 27) morning, Christian tweeted, “Shout out to anyone* in Melbourne that wants a game of cricket tomorrow night. My team is struggling to get 11 covid free, fit players on the park. Warm up starts at 6.30pm at Marvel Stadium. “Free beer afterwards, potentially out of a large cup. “DM if keen. “*no test cricketers.” Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers also had a crack on the tweet with his reply, “I’m keen if u can guarantee me my 4 overs?” &nbsp;Meanwhile, England's 2019 World Cup hero Jofra Archer also replied with a question, “Do I have to pay subs?” The perilous situation in the Sixers camp has been a topic of debate. Christian's tweet to call out fans has brought the pandemic issue on the front page once again. On the other hand, CA's rule of not allowing Smith to join has added fuel to the fire. It will be a top-of-the-table clash in the finals of the BBL as the Sixers finished second in the BBL standings with 35 points while Perth Scorchers topped with 40 points in 14 league matches. In three encounters so far this season the Scorchers have come out on top on all occasions. This includes the qualifier encounter last Saturday, where Sixers were beaten in a one-sided encounter by 48 runs.

Christian offers 'free beers' ahead of BBL final in a cheeky tweet; asks fans to fill in for Covid-hit Sixers' playing XI

Pakistan's young fast bowler Mohammad Hasnain will undergo a test as his bowling action was reported by the umpires in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL 2021-22).&nbsp;As per a report by ESPNCricinfo, Hasnain's bowling action will be tested on January 18 at the biomechanics laboratory in Lahore which is accredited by International Cricket Council.&nbsp;Interestingly, before getting called up by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) ahead of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2022 which is scheduled to start on January 27, Hasnain was accused of throwing the ball by Australian all-rounder and Sydney Sixers captain Moises Henriques. Initially, the fast bowler was supposed to get tested in Australia on January 19 but PSL commitment led to the change in venue.&nbsp;&nbsp;The 21-year-old express fast bowler recently finished a five-game stint for Sydney Thunder as a replacement for England's Saqib Mahmood. He took three wickets on his BBL debut against Adelaide Strikers.&nbsp;&nbsp;In total, he took seven wickets from five games helping Chris Green-led Thunders qualify for the playoffs.&nbsp;&nbsp;Henriques was heard saying ‘Nice throw, mate’ in the 12th over as Hasnain troubled him with raw pace. While other Thunder's bowlers were taken to the cleaners, Hasnain turned out to be the most economical as he conceded 22 runs in his quota of four overs.&nbsp;While Hasnain’s tests are awaited, he will be able to bowl for Quetta Gladiators in the opening games of PSL 2022 as it is a domestic event. However, in the past, PSL has not allowed bowlers with suspected bowling action to bowl in the league.&nbsp;&nbsp;If the tests do not go Hasnain’s way, he will be banned from bowling in competitive cricket until he makes changes to his action and gets clearance from ICC.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hasnain has played for Pakistan in 18 T20Is and 7 ODIs taking 12 and 17 wickets respectively. Despite a decent record, Hasnain was not a part of Pakistan’s T20 World Cup squad which qualified for the semi-final. After his successful stint, he can be considered for this year’s T20 World Cup to be played in Australia if he passes the test.

Pakistan's fast-bowling sensation reported for suspected illegal bowling action after Aussie's on-field complaint

Former India U-19 World Cup-winning captain Unmkut Chand will finally get his chance in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) after Melbourne Renegades announced their playing eleven for next game. The Delhi-born player was signed by the Melbourne franchise on the eve of the tournament but was not included in the playing eleven by the Renegades management. He will now make his debut in a dead-rubber clash against Hobart Hurricanes, as the Renegades are already out of the playoff race, languishing bottom of the table.&nbsp;A picture tweeted by the Melbourne Renegades' Twitter account showcased 28-year-old Chand in the playing eleven. The former India U-19 player was only part of the squad and was itching to get some game time after becoming only Indian cricketer in the Australian T20 league.&nbsp;Renegades tweeted: “4 changes to our squad for our clash against the @HurricanesBBL, Unmukt's in and Finchy's taking the reins.”&nbsp;Chand's early disappointmentEarlier in the campaign, the right-handed batter attracted the attention of Renegades' team management by showing his disappointment. The 28-year-old took to Twitter on January 11 and wrote, “Feels more like a vacation. Thanks Melbourne!!”.&nbsp;The player was unhappy as he did not get to don the red jersey despite a dismal batting show by the Renegades in the ongoing tournament.&nbsp;Too little, too late for the RenegadesThe 2019 champions have so far endured a tough time in the BBL season as they have won only three matches so far. The sloppy show has seen them pick up just 15 points from 12 matches; their net run rate sees them drop below Brisbane Heat, who also have 15 points.&nbsp;Chand's arrival will not be the only change for the Renegades. Aaron Finch will also return and lead the side. Alongside Chand and Finch, there are a couple of more changes as Zak Evans, Mitch Perry also return to the Renegades squad. The Melbourne-based franchise will close its campaign against Sydney Thunders on Wednesday (January 19) after the action will switch over to playoffs.

8 losses and one cryptic tweet later, Unmukt Chand finally set to make BBL debut for Melbourne Renegades

Haris Rauf missed his chance of becoming the second bowler to take two hat-tricks in BBL history despite Peter Siddle-led Adelaide Strikers losing three wickets off consecutive deliveries in the final over.&nbsp;&nbsp;Melbourne Stars’ stand-in skipper Adam Zampa handed the ball to Pakistan speedster to bowl the final over of the innings. After three singles off the first three deliveries, Rauf got the wicket of Harry Nielsen as the batter missed the line and ended up getting bowled. His second wicket was Strikers’ skipper Siddle who also got bowled trying to play a slog off the penultimate delivery. Rauf was on a hat-trick against the no.10 batter Harry Conway but he managed to get his bat on a fast 146.8 kmph delivery. Conway and Rashid Khan tried to get a couple of runs but Conway got run out after a good through from Joe Clarke in the deep.&nbsp;&nbsp;Rauf finished with two wickets for 25 runs in his quota of four overs. He bowled a brilliant final over conceding just four singles. Also, he kept cameo-specialist Rashid at bay. Strikers could manage to post only 139/8. Only Jonathan Wells made a mark with a 56-ball 68 in the middle order.&nbsp;The economical last over came into play as Strikers bowlers kept the game alive till death overs. Opener Clarke did the heavy lifting as an inexperienced Stars top order collapsed. With Beau Webster struggling to find gaps or hit boundaries, Clarke led the way for Stars with his 58-ball 83 laced with three fours and four sixes. With his wicket in the penultimate over, the game was still alive.&nbsp;&nbsp;However, Qais Ahmad was cool as a cucumber as he hit a six on the first ball of the final over. It was the very first ball he faced in the innings. It was followed by a wide delivery which gave Stars a win by five wickets with five balls to spare.&nbsp;&nbsp;With this win, Stars moved from the bottom of the table to register their fourth win of the season. On the other hand, Strikers moved to the bottom with just two wins from 10 games.

3 wickets in 3 balls! Haris Rauf’s double blow in final over sinks Siddle's Strikers

The current 11th edition of Big Bash League (BBL) has not been a remarkable outing till now for the Melbourne Stars team. Stars are currently on the bottom of the league table. Their stand-In skipper Adam Zampa feels that his side do not deserve to be where they are currently. Regarding the latest Covid-19 outbreak that saw Stars have their captain Glenn Maxwell ruled out, Zampa said that he is “glad” that he had it and gotten it out of the way.&nbsp;“I'm glad that I've kind of had it and gotten it out of the way,” Zampa, was quoted while talking to cricket.com.au, on Sunday (January 9).&nbsp;"But my team is now sitting in last place and we're staring down the barrel of missing the semis again so it's getting desperate times in terms of performance and getting to the back-end of the tournament.&nbsp;"The silver lining is 'yeah, I've had it and hopefully I'm passed fit, and I can get through the next six games OK' but we're sitting last on the table, which I really don't think is where we deserve to be sitting," expressed Zampa.&nbsp;&nbsp;The derby went onStars previously had their two games- against the Scorchers and against Strikers- cancelled but despite the multiple Covid-19 positive cases the high-voltage derby match between the Stars and Melbourne Renegades got the permission to take place on January 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;The 29-year-old expressed his disappointment as he wanted to have a full squad in a crucial match like a derby.&nbsp;&nbsp;"You would think that you would want two full-strength squads available for a game ... Renegades-Stars, Scorchers-Sixers and Sixers-Thunder, these competitions are built on days like that," he said.&nbsp;"I think the derby day was taken the piss out of a little bit and that was because it was set in stone on January 3.&nbsp;"It is obviously a great opportunity for some of those guys that came in and played."&nbsp;New role for ZampaRegarding his new role of being the leader of the side the leg-break bowler said that he has mentally always been prepared to be the captain and now it's a great way to learn about it.&nbsp;"I try to think about the game as if I'm a captain anyway while I'm out there and it's a great way to learn about it," Zampa said.

BBL derby 'taken the piss out of'; Zampa expresses disappointment amid Covid-19 scare

Defending Big Bash League (BBL) champions Sydney Sixers have had mix season so far as they lie third in the table in BBL's 2021-2022 edition, but one thing is certain Hayden Kerr is enjoying the current season as he eyes an Indian Premier League (IPL) contract. With 16 wickets in 10 matches so far, the talented all-rounder has been at his prolific best as Sixers try to defend their title. Kerr, 25, will have his eyes set on a mega-contract as he attracts the attention of IPL franchises. With an average of 11 and an economy of 7.04, he has been the glittering line for the Sydney-based franchise in the BBL 2021-22 season. His 16 scalps have come at a strike rate of 9.3, which makes him one of the deadliest bowlers in the BBL. Kerr's tally of 16 wickets is only surpassed by Peter Siddle of Adelaide Strikers and Andrew Tye of Perth Scorchers, both with 18 wickets each. The IPL 2022 season is due to begin in April as team managements are on the hunt to reshape their franchises ahead of the latest season. Kerr's prospect of expectations has been bolstered by the addition of two more franchises. So with teams on the hunt, the youngster could be a cheap but reliable asset with his proven record in the BBL. His batting ability could also be a vital reason why teams could make him a priority signing. The IPL auctions are due to be taking place in February, with little overseas option available at a cheap rate the franchises could do with the left-arm medium-pacer. The signing could revive the memories of David Warner's signing back in 2009 when he was picked by Delhi Daredevils (DD) when the New South Wales star roused to the occasion before he was an international star. The rest is history in the case of Warner, as he has gone down as one of the best T20I players in recent memories. Another star from the same province could bring back the memories of 2009. The numbers also make good reading for Kerr, he scored a debut fifty with the bat in the Sheffield Shield with an unbeaten 62. All his BBL wickets have been mustard in the current season with the best figure of 32/4 against Perth Scorchers in January of this year. &nbsp;Once struggling with a back injury, Kerr was forced to concentrate on batting, when he was 18. But his recent renaissance has once again attracted the attention of franchises all around the world. An IPL contract could just be a matter of time for the talented all-rounder as his performances are getting better day after day. Currently, Kerr's focus should remain on the Sixers as they face tough competition to retain their crown. Sixers sit third, while the likes of Scorchers and fellow rivals Sydney Thunders give them a tough task.

With 16 wickets in 10 games, Australia fast bowler wishes to get picked in IPL 2022

21-year-old Mohammad Hasnain made a dream Big Bash League (BBL) debut for Sydney Thunder at the Sydney Showground Stadium with a triple wicket-maiden. Bowling his first BBL over, Hasnain derailed Adelaide Strikers run chase single-handedly with three wickets in four deliveries.&nbsp;&nbsp;The young Pakistan fast bowler took the wickets of openers Matthew Short and Jake Weatherald off consecutive deliveries followed by the wicket of Jonathan Wells in the third over of the run chase. Strikers were 24/0 after two overs chasing a 173-run target.&nbsp;Hasnain’s first dismissal was Short who was playing a rampant knock in the powerplay overs. He flicked a length ball but timed it straight to deep square leg fielder Daniel Sams. The opener got out after scoring 13 runs off six deliveries. He got more swing off the next delivery and trapped Weatherald in front of the stumps.&nbsp;On the hat-trick ball, Hasnain bowled it full and straight but Jonathan Wells managed to keep it out. However, on the next delivery Wells threw his wicket away trying to beat the short mid-wicket fielder Ben Cutting. From 24/0 in two overs, Strikers went to 25/3. The only run scored in the over was via leg byes.&nbsp;After three quick wickets, Strikers failed to recover and kept losing wickets at regular intervals. The notable contributions from Strikers include Matt Renshaw’s 21-ball 30 and Harry Nielsen’s 31-ball 39. The visitors got bundled out for 144 with five more deliveries to go. Hasnain did not get more wickets in the innings but did not leak runs. In the next three overs of his spell, he conceded 20 runs.&nbsp;&nbsp;This was Strikers’ sixth consecutive defeat in the season. They are placed seventh on the points table with just nine points in the bag. On the other hand, this was Thunder’s fifth win of BBL 2021-22 from eight encounters.&nbsp;Earlier opener Matthew Gilkes helped his side post a fighting total of 172/7. Gilkes anchored the innings and scored 93 runs from 57 deliveries including nine fours and three sixes. He got out off the penultimate over of the innings missing his maiden BBL century. For Strikers, Wes Agar and skipper Peter Siddle took three wickets each.&nbsp;

3 wickets in one over! Pakistan fast bowler derails Strikers run chase on BBL debut

Perth Scorchers stormed into the Big Bash League (BBL) 2021-22 final after thrashing Sydney Sixers by 49 runs at the Docklands Stadium, Melbourne. The Sixers were all out for 140 from 19.2 overs in their run chase of 190. Sixers would have lost by a bigger margin if not for no.9 batter Ben Dwarshuis 66-run knock from 29 balls.&nbsp;The Scorchers made 189/3 after winning the toss and batting first. Josh Inglis top-scored for Scorchers with 79. Inglis shared a record 120-run opening partnership with Kurtis Patterson to set the team up for a daunting total in the qualifier. The wicketkeeper-batter scored at a strike rate of 161.22. He hit nine fours and one six in his match-winning knock.&nbsp;In the Scorchers’ innings Patterson smashed his fourth half century of the tournament, including four fours and two sixes off just 33 balls to set the tone for the match. In a late cameo, all-rounder Mitchell Marsh smashed 28 from 21 balls including four fours, before he was caught by Moises Henriques.&nbsp;Justin Avendano was first man out for the Sixers for a third-ball duck after he skied one to Inglis off Jason Behrendorff in the second over. His opening partner Josh Philippe chopped one on from Jhye Richardson in the third over for five from eight balls to have the Sixers reeling at 8/2. Behrendorff had his second wicket in the fourth over when Jordan Silk cut one to a wide slip to make it 11/3.&nbsp;&nbsp;Things got even worse when the Sixers fell to 41/6. A slower ball from Richardson had Moises Henriques edging the ball behind. A stellar throw from Ashton Turner, ran out Sean Abbott for three runs as the collapse continued apace, the Sixers falling to 55/7 in 12 overs.&nbsp;Richardson, Behrendorff, Ashton Agar and &nbsp;Andrew Tye all nabbed two wickets each for the Scorchers, while Peter Hatzoglou had one.&nbsp;Dwarshuis saved Sixers from further embarrassment. He hit 18 off his first six balls but the required run rate was already out of grasp. Dwarshuis smashed the best ever score by a No.9 on his way to his first BBL half century to give the Sixers some positivity heading into the second qualifier. Dwarshuis reached 50 off just 24 balls including five fours and three sixes. He had support from Hayden Kerrm who scored 22 off 18 deliveries.&nbsp;Inglis was crowned ‘man of the match’ and the Scorchers now await the winner of the clash between the Sixers and the winner of the Thunder’s match against the Strikers in an attempt to add another BBL trophy to their cabinet.

Inglis powers Scorchers to BBL final; Sixers' no.9 batter Dwarshuis creates history with quickfire 66

Melbourne Renegades' Cameron Boyce has created history in the Big Bash League (BBL) by taking a double hat-trick against Sydney Thunders. The 32-year-old is the first player in the BBL to achieve the feat after he scalped four wickets in four balls. Boyce has now joined a rare club of players in the record books as he joins Lasith Malinga, Andree Russell, Alfonso Thomas and other few names in the list.&nbsp;TimelineAfter a bright start and an 80-run opening stand, both Alex Hales and Usman Khawaja were going well. However, on the last ball of the seventh over Boyce dismissed Hales through Unmukt Chand on 44 runs. The 32-year-old returned to bowl the ninth over and scalped Jason Sangha (2) and followed that with back-to-back LBW's. First Alex Ross (0) became his hat-trick victim and then Daniel Sams (0), to achieve the rare feat. He ended with figures of 21/5 in his four overs.&nbsp;Rarity in T20 CricketBoyce joins a unique list of players to have taken a double hat-trick in T20 cricket, he joins Russell, Rashid Khan, AL-Amin Hossain and Curtis Campher. Russell did his trick in September 2013 against India A. He managed to scalp Yuvraj Singh, Kedar Jadhav, Naman Ojha and Yusuf Pathan. While, Al-Amin managed to scalp four in four between UCB and BCB Eleven in a domestic tournament of Bangladesh.&nbsp;&nbsp;Boyce arrives late for RenegadesThe Renegades have endured a tough time in the BBL and are languishing bottom of the table. Wednesday's (January 19) encounter is the last of the current campaign. But Boyce's heroics have given them some encouragement as they close the campaign. In 13 matches so far they have only 16 points.&nbsp;Boyce will certainly enjoy the day as he joins some greats of the game to a hat-trick. Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Peter Siddle have taken hat-tricks for Australia. He is the eighth bowler to take a hat-trick in the BBL history and the first from Melbourne Renegades to achieve the feat.

Cameron Boyce creates BBL history with first-ever ‘Double Hat-trick’

Adelaide Strikers are now just one win away from a place in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2020 final after defeating Sydney Thunders by six runs at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Batting first, Strikers put on a formidable total of 184/6 on the back of a 38-ball 65 from English wicketkeeper=batter Ian Cockbain. In reply, Thunders could manage 178/6 in their 20 overs.&nbsp;Strikers got off to a good start with openers Alex Carey and Matt Short sharing a 41-run partnership in just 4.3 overs. Carey scored 23 of 14 balls and was the first to go when he was caught by Daniel Sams off Tanveer Sangha's bowling. Cockbain joined Short and the duo stitched together a fine 50-run partnership for the second wicket. Short was struck in front by Jason Sangha and was dismissed for a well-made 39 of 28 balls. Jonathan Wells, Matt Renshaw and Thomas Kelly chipped in with 18, 15 and 16 respectively to help Strikers reach 184/6. Cockbain hit six fours and three sixes in his match-winning knock.&nbsp;&nbsp;For Thunder, Tanveer Sangha was the pick of the bowlers as he conceded just 15 runs and took wickets in his four overs.&nbsp;Gurinder Sandhu too picked up two wickets along whereas Jason and Nathan McAndrew chipped in with a wicket each.&nbsp;In reply, Sydney lost Alex Hales early for just nine runs and Usman Khawaja too followed his opening partner shorty after getting himself to a start. Jason and Alex Ross added 90 runs for the third wicket. Sangha's 61 of 43 balls and Ross' 39-ball 56 setup the chase beautifully. However, Peter Siddle struck twice to get rid of Sangha and Daniel Sams in the 17th over. With nine runs required of the last three balls, Ross succumbed when Henry Thornton held onto a stunning outfield catch despite colliding with Alex Carey. Harry Conway struck twice in the last over to seal the final spot for Strikers.&nbsp;Conway was pick of the bowlers with two wickets for 33 runs in his four overs. Slightly on the expensive side, captain Peter Siddle picked two wickets too but conceded 41 in his quota of four overs. Short and Thornton contributed with a wicket each.&nbsp;Adelaide Strikers stretch their unbeaten streak to six games with a six-run win &nbsp;over Sydney thunder and now &nbsp;are just one win away from a place the BBL finals. Cockbain has been a huge boost for their batting side despite not being part of their initial list in the tournament. The 34-year-old has scored 191 runs from five innings in his BBL debut series including two half-centuries

English wicketkeeper takes Strikers to BBL qualifier as Sangha's 61-run knock falls short in run chase

For the 27-year-old Ben Dwarshuis, who was South African all-rounder Chris Woakes' replacement in Delhi Capitals in second phase of the Indian Premier League (IPL), it was a memorable game in the Big Bash League (BBL) after Sydney Sixers beat Melbourne Renegades by 45 runs. Sixers pacer Dwarshuis picked up his maiden five-wicket BBL haul to help his side in clinching a marvelous victory.&nbsp;Dwarshuis played an instrumental role in restricting their opponents within a mere total of just 105 runs.&nbsp;A good totalBatting first, Sixers scored a formidable total of 150 for 6 in 20 overs. Sixers skipper Moises Henriques played a brilliant knock of 49 off 35 deliveries. His innings of comprised of four boundaries and 1 six. Henriques seemed settled enough to score a half-century but eventually he was dismissed by Aussie pacer Kane Richardson.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the final over of the innings, the skipper went to play a shot over deep midwicket to go past his half-century but his shot could produce enough power as Mackenzie Harvey standing at deep midwicket took the catch.&nbsp;&nbsp;Another Sixers batsman and opener of the batting lineup Jack Edwards was also handy with the bat after he managed to notch 40 runs off 34 deliveries in order to give a good start to the innings.&nbsp;&nbsp;Shadab Khan at the end scored 12 off 7 balls to help his team in registering the total of 150.&nbsp;&nbsp;Richardson and Cameron Boyce took two wickets each for Melbourne Renegades.&nbsp;Losing openers earlyIn reply, Renegades looked unsettled after losing two wickets (both their openers) within first two overs. Australia international Shaun Marsh seemed patient enough to seal victory for his team but lack support from the other end proved to be too costly for the Renegades. Marsh scored 39 off 36 deliveries.&nbsp;For Sixers, Hayden Kerr provided the vital breakthrough by bowling out Marsh.&nbsp;&nbsp;Apart from Marsh, only two other batsmen (Sam Harper and Kane Richardson) managed to reach the two-digit mark. Wicketkeeper Harper scored 15 off 7 balls and Richardson bagged 15 off 10 deliveries.&nbsp;For Sixers, their left-arm fast bowler Dwarshuis bowled four overs and picked up crucial five wickets by conceding just 26 runs. His fabulous bowling display also earned him the Man of the Match award.&nbsp;

Chris Woakes' replacement in Delhi Capitals claims maiden five-wicket haul in BBL; Sixers beat Renegades by 45 runs

Former India U-19 captain Unmukt Chand has shown his discontent with his Big Bash League (BBL) franchise Melbourne Renegades after getting no chances in the entire season. The Delhi-born batter was supposed to be India's next shining star, after leading India to U-19 World Cup success back in 2012. However, things have taken an upside-down turn as he now finds himself out of the Indian contingent and is likely to play for the United States of America (USA) national team. He recently signed for the Melbourne-based franchise, but is finding it hard to get any game time. A post written on his Twitter handle read, “Feels more like a vacation. Thanks Melbourne!!” The 28-year-old was poised to rejuvenate his career in the BBL, but with few chances available he is finding it tough to go with the pace. Matter of fact, in Renegades' last game against Sydney Sixers, the management opted to go with just one overseas player, Zahir Khan. The lack of faith shown has not been met on good terms as Chand has shown his disagreement due to exclusion. The 2018-19 BBL champions are finding it tough this season as the team resides third from bottom with just three wins in the entire campaign. The Renegades were dismissed for just 105 in 17 overs against champions Sydney Sixers in their last encounter while they chased 151. The defeat has all but ended their quest for a place in the playoffs. Chand's latest post might have caused some upsets within the ranks of Renegades team management, but he could yet get some match time with three matches remaining in the BBL campaign. The former U-19 captain can relive some moments from the U-19 World Cup this week, as the latest edition of the junior tournament begins in West Indies on Friday (January 14). Chand scored a hundred in the final of the 2012 U-19 edition, which so far remains his highest accolade, perhaps another go in the BBL could be the need of the hour. The former Delhi player could well be seen representing the USA in the 2024 T20 World Cup, a timely reminder that, all is not well even if you succeed at the junior level. The Renegades next take on city rivals Melbourne Stars on Thursday (January 13).

‘Feels more like a vacation’: Unmukt Chand after not getting a single game in BBL by Melbourne Renegades

Matthew Wade, the past master batter, has pronounced to take a break from the underway Big Bash Leage (BBL) for an unspecified period. Personal reason is cited to be the cause of the Hobart Hurricanes skipper's absence.&nbsp;The leader has not been included in the 14-strong Hobart squad which will lock horns with Brisbane Heat on Saturday (January 8).Sans Wade, Peter Handscomb will spearhead the side at The Gabba.&nbsp;The 34-year-old has endured a not so good competition so far, mustering just 177 with an average of 19.66. He has struggled to touch the double figures in each of his four innings. Though, he had a brilliant T20 World Cup for the Australian side and was expected to set the stage on fire in BBL which unfortunately has not happened yet.&nbsp;Wade's side currently sit fourth in the BBL chart with four victories from nine matches.&nbsp;Hobart's head coach Adam Griffith however feels that the veteran batter will be back for the twilight of the highly touted cricket league.&nbsp;"He's okay. "It's just something he's working through at the moment," said Griffith."We don't really have a timeline just as yet, but we're hopeful of having him back at the back-end of the tournament," he added.&nbsp;Wade, who has played a total of 73 matches in the BBL as date, has scored 2008 runs with a staggering strike rate of 143.33. He has walloped 14 fifties and a century and his highest individual score remains 130 not out. Such is the stature of the league specialist.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Gabe Bell of Tasmanian Tigers and Queensland's Will Sanders have been added to the Hurricanes squad.The bowling sensation Scott Boland along with Natha Ellis and Joel Paris are all missing due to a combination of international commitments and injury.&nbsp;Hobart meanwhile will be boosted by the return of speedster Riley Meredith in the squad as he had suffered a hamstring injury recently. Also, Tom Lammonby is available again after playing the opening two games against Sydney Sixers, but Harry Brook and Jordan Thompson continue to be sidelined as a precaution having been in close proximity to a Covid-19 case.

Matthew Wade takes an indefinite respite from Big Bash League 2021-2022

Sydney Sixers made a mess of an easy run chase against Perth Scorchers. Chasing 134, Daniel Christian turned out to be the lone warrior with the bat fighting it out till the penultimate over after a colossal batting collapse in powerplay overs.&nbsp;Multiple early blowsNew ball bowlers Lance Morris and Tymal Mills were lethal in the powerplay overs. Josh Philippe got out for a three-ball duck in the first over to Morris. In the second over, Jack Edwards fell to Mills. Skipper Moises Henriques fell cheaply on the last ball of third over after scoring just five runs. Mills inflicted more damage by getting his fellow countryman and opener James Vince in the fourth over as Sixers found themselves struggling at 16/4 in 3.3 overs.&nbsp;All Christian showThe all-rounder was very cautious at the start of his innings in an attempt to do damage control. With Jordan Silk, Sixers managed just 25 runs in the first six overs. At the halfway stage, they were 41/4. He hit his first six in the 12th over but two quick wickets in the next over created more problems in the run chase.&nbsp;The seventh-wicket partnership between Christian and Hayden Kerr was the most impactful one. The two took the game deep and kept the run chase alive. In the 17th over, Christian reached his half-century with a maximum off the 51st delivery he faced. He fired two more sixes in the 18th over which kept Scorchers on their toes. But the required run rate was too tough an ask for the 38-year-old. He lost his wicket to Andrew Tye on the fifth delivery of the 19th over. He scored 73 runs from 61 deliveries including five fours and four sixes.&nbsp;Kerr remained unbeaten for 13 as Sixers lost the match by 10 runs, their second defeat of the season. For Scorchers, Mills and Tye took three wickets each whereas Morris took two.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hardie saves Scorchers after middle overs collapseAfter losing Cameron Bancroft early in the innings, Scorchers were struggling for boundaries with opener Kurtis Patterson and Colin Munro in the middle. As the dot ball pressure got to the two batters, Scorchers suffered a collapse in middle overs losing four wickets for just seven runs.&nbsp;&nbsp;Christian was impressive with the ball too taking two wickets in the 11th over of the innings. First Patterson got out for 25-ball 27 and then Laurie Evans bagged a three-ball duck. Then Kerr got the wickets of Munro who was scored just 27 runs from 36 deliveries. The left-arm fast bowler followed it up with the wicket of skipper Ashton Turner for a three-ball duck.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hardie helps Scorchers finish wellComing in to bat at no.6 in 13th over, Aaron Hardie got his first boundary in the 15th over. In the next over Ben Dwarshuis took a beating as he was hit for three sixes including two off Ashton Agar’s bat and one off Hardie’s. After two quick wickets of Tye and Agar, Hardie targetted Kerr in the final over scoring 18 runs in the final over to get the total to 143/8. He got out off the final delivery of the innings. The 22-year-old scored 45 runs off 22 deliveries.

Former RCB all-rounder dazzles in BBL defeat with 71-run knock and 2 wickets in middle overs collapse 

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

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