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Sherfane Rutherford’s strong knock in the final over propelled Sydney Thunder to a thrilling four-wicket victory over the Perth Scorchers in their 2024-25 Big Bash League clash at Perth Stadium. In a game that swung back and forth, Rutherford’s late fireworks sealed the Thunder’s third straight victory, pushing them into second place on the points table.
Finn Allen leads Scorchers to competitive total
The Perth Scorchers, led by their explosive opener Finn Allen, posted a challenging 177/4 after winning the toss. Allen wasted no time in attacking the Sydney Thunder bowlers, racing to 68 off just 31 balls. His innings, studded with six boundaries and five towering sixes, laid a solid foundation for the hosts.
Allen found early support in Matty Hurst, who contributed 23 points before falling to Chris Green. However, once Allen left, the Scorchers’ middle order faltered. Green’s double knock, dismissing Allen and captain Ashton Turner for a duck, sparked a mini collapse as the Scorchers fell from 102/1 to 110/4 in quick time.
Cooper Connolly and Nick Hobson then steadied the ship with an unbeaten 67-run partnership. Connolly top-scored with 43* off 31 balls, while Hobson added 21* off 17 to take the Scorchers to a competitive total.
Warner and Gilkes lead Thunder’s chase
Chasing 178, Sydney Thunder suffered an early blow when Blake Nikitaras fell for just one run. However, captain David Warner took charge, forming an 89-run partnership with Matthew Gilkes to put the Thunder ahead.
Both batsmen scored spirited 40s, with Warner falling just one point short of a half-century. His 49 off 33 balls included five boundaries and two sixes, while Gilkes contributed a solid 40 before being stumped by Cooper Connolly’s wide delivery.
Just when Thunder seemed to have control, the Scorchers counterattacked. Jason Behrendorff and Lance Morris attacked in quick succession, removing Oliver Davies and Warner to reduce the visitors to 113/4.
Rutherford takes command in thrilling finale
Enter Sherfane Rutherford. The West Indies all-rounder took the game by the throat, hammering boundaries at will to keep Thunder in the hunt.
Needing 12 from the final over, Rutherford faced experienced campaigner Andrew Tye. Unfazed by the pressure, he smashed three boundaries in the final over. This included a four off the last ball to take Thunder to the line.
Rutherford’s unbeaten 39 off 19 balls included five fours and a six.
Debutant Hugh Weibgen also played a crucial role in the chase. The young batsman hit a six during his six-ball stay, finishing with an unbeaten 9*.
With this victory, Sydney Thunder has now won three games in a row. They have jumped to second place in the BBL points table.
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