CANBERRA Shadab Khan, the ace all-rounder of Pakistan, proved his exceptional bowling skills and therefore led Sydney Thunder to their first win in this season’s Big Bash League (BBL) which also marked his return to the excellent form of the T20 World Cup.
Sydney Thunder outperformed Brisbane Heat by 34 runs in total dominance at Manuka Oval on Monday.
Thunder’s decision to bat first proved profitable as they set a good target of 193 for four in 20 overs. The opening pair of Sam Konstas and Matthew Gilkes began the innings with a century partnership. Konstas scored a steady and mature 63 off 45 balls, which included eight fours; while Gilkes was the day’s hero with his rapid-fire 76 off just 48 balls.
The last phase of batting was contributed by the wicketkeeper-batter Sam Billings who made 25 runs in merely 11 balls hitting two fours and two sixes, thereby increasing the total. The triumph signified a major turning point for Sydney Thunder this season, and at the same time, it marked Shadab’s rising impact as he returned to his best form on the international circuit.
Brisbane Heat’s Shaheen Shah Afridi bagged 1 wicket for 35 runs in four overs, Jack Wildermuth got two wickets and Matthew Kuhnemann took one among their bowlers.
In pursuit of 194 runs, Brisbane Heat’s batters got into trouble right from the start, scoring only 159 runs while losing 6 wickets. None of their batsmen could even reach the fifty mark, with the main blow being dealt by Shadab Khan, who hit them hard.
The leg-spinner took care of the top order of the Heat by dismissing Colin Munro, Jack Wildermuth, and Matt Renshaw and achieved superb figures of 4 wickets for 24 runs in his 4 overs.
Hugh Weibgen offered some resistance with a score of 30 off 26 balls while Max Bryant scored 25 off 18 but the rest of the batters could not take advantage.
Shadab Khan got the man of the match award for his exceptional performance and the discussion about his inclusion in the squad of Pakistan for the upcoming T20 World Cup has again become a hot topic on social media.
