Reactions on Twitter: Nathan McAndrew’s outstanding bowling powers Sydney Thunder to victory over Melbourne Stars in BBL|14 Eliminator
In the eliminator match Big Bash League (BBL) | 14, Sydney Thunder defeated Melbourne Stars for 21 runs at the Sydney Showground, securing their place in the upcoming Challengers match. With a great performance from Nathan McAndrewwho claimed five wickets, the Thunder sealed a hard-fought victory to progress to the encounter Sydney Sixers for a place in the final.
Sydney Thunder have a decent total in the reduced overs competition
The Melbourne Stars won the toss and bowled first, a decision they hoped would go in their favor given the conditions. However, the match was reduced to 19 overs per side due to bad weather and lightning. Sydney Thunder managed to post a modest total of 135/7, a score they hoped would be competitive. Sydney Thunder’s innings is built around solid contributions Matthew Gilkes and Oliver Davies. Gilkes scores 28 runs off 18 balls, hitting 3 fours and 1 six. Davies played a steady knock, scoring 36 off 35 balls with 2 fours and 1 six. Despite a late flurry of wickets, Thunder’s total of 135/7 was challenging, given the weather conditions.
The bowling attack of the Melbourne Stars led the way Tom Curran and Usama Mirand both picked up two wickets each. Meanwhile, the veteran Peter Siddlecaptain Marcus Stoinisand Doug Warren each looking for one wicket. Despite the best efforts of the bowlers, the Stars were unable to keep the Thunder in the lower order and the target of 136 proved difficult to achieve.
Also WATCH: Doug Warren’s ice-cold celebration after Sam Billings’ dismissal in Eliminator BBL|14
Nathan McAndrew’s bowling heroics lead Thunder to victory
Chasing 136, Melbourne Stars struggled from the start. They were soon reduced to 114 all out in just 18 overs, trailing by 21 runs. Glenn Maxwell he was the top scorer for the Stars, contributing 28 runs off 21 balls with 3 fours and 1 six. However, a flurry of wickets halted their progress and they could not build partnerships that would threaten the Thunder’s total.
McAndrew produced a match-winning performance with a career-best 5/16, the best bowling figures by a Sydney Thunder player in BBL history. His performance was the most important moment of the match and he was deservedly named the player of the match. Along with McAndrew, Tanveer Sangha and Tom Andrews each took two brankas, with Chris Green adding the key scalp to his name. The Sydney Thunder secured their place in the Challengers match with the win, where they will meet the Sydney Sixers in a crucial clash that will decide who will face the Hobart Hurricanes in the final.
Home and snot!
At the moment when @ThunderBBL secured a win and a spot in The Challenger against the Sixers. #BBL14 pic.twitter.com/KPx1Yp7uX0
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 22, 2025
Here’s how Twitter responded:
A magnificent spell. Career-best T20 bowling figures for Nathan McAndrew 5/16 (Man of the Match). Sydney Thunder won #BBL14 #Knockout by 21 Runs. Well played O Davies 36(35). Career best T20 bowling figures for Tom Andrews 2/20. #STvMS @NMcAndrew44 @ThunderBBL @copes9
— JaayShaan (VaidhyaJayaShankar) (@JaayShaan) January 22, 2025
Nathan McAndrew finishes with 5/16, the best by a Sydney Thunder player in BBL history.#BBL14
— Nic Savage (@nic_savage1) January 22, 2025
Thunder brilliant tonight so it will be a Sydney team in the final but who will find out on Friday weather permitting #BBL14
— christopher crocker league champions 2023 (@thecrock1) January 22, 2025
RCB and Melbourne Stars had exactly 100% similar year. Both had to win 5/5 games to qualify, while depending on the other. Fortune favors the Brave. They qualified. The fans are cheering. First round of qualifications, traumatic loss 🙁
— Chapla (@ChaplaDaSun) January 22, 2025
tears man
Melbourne Stars have successfully reconstructed RCB 2024😭 ✅️— D. 🇦🇷 (@cheekurat) January 22, 2025
Melbourne Stars started their winning streak after losing to Sydney Thunder and their 5 game streak ends against the same team. The Thunder defended 136 runs for the knockout victory.
It will be the Sydney derby that will decide who will face Hobart in the BBL final.
— Omkar Mankame (@Oam_16) January 22, 2025
Well done Nathan McAndrew once again proving that he is the best fast bowler outside the Test team and deserves national honours
— Grant dabinett (@DabinettGrant) January 22, 2025
When Nathan McCandrew bowls well, the pitch has something in it
— Deepak (@Dextercool_5) January 22, 2025
The @ThunderBBL are still alive in #BBL14 ⚡ pic.twitter.com/eQjy9IetAY
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 22, 2025
Great bowling performance by Sydney Thunder 🙌#Cricket #BBL14 #SydneyThunder pic.twitter.com/I7m4fpVVBi
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 22, 2025
On to the next ⚡️
See you at SCG this Friday!!! pic.twitter.com/HfXnUL9NNq
— Sydney Thunder (@ThunderBBL) January 22, 2025