Sam Konstas’ fiery knock and Daniel Sams‘ late heroics propelled Sydney Thunder to a thrilling two-wicket victory over Adelaide Strikers in the third match of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2024-25 at Manuka Oval, Canberra. While chasing, Konstas and Sams’ stunning knock ensured that Thunder snatch victory with just two balls to spare.
Adelaide Strikers posts a competitive total
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Sydney Thunder’s bowlers had a mixed start as Adelaide Strikers built a steady platform. Opener Jake Weatherald anchored the innings with a composed 40 off 37 balls, featuring 6 fours and 2 sixes. While the Thunder bowlers kept the scoring in check initially, middle-order batter Jamie Overton turned the momentum with a fiery 45 off 35 balls, smashing 4 sixes and a four.
The Strikers, however, lost wickets at crucial intervals, limiting their total to 182/8 in 20 overs. For the Thunder, right-arm quick Lockie Ferguson and off-spinner Chris Green starred with the ball, both picking up 3 wickets each in their four-over spells. Ferguson’s pace and Green’s accuracy restricted the Strikers from breaching the 200-run mark.
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Daniel Sams turns the tide for Sydney Thunders
Chasing 183, the Thunder got off to a blistering start courtesy of young opener Konstas, who showcased his intent with a dazzling 56 off just 27 balls, laced with 8 fours and 2 sixes. marking not only his maiden BBL fifty but also the fastest half-century for Sydney Thunder and the youngest in BBL history. His aggressive approach gave the Thunder early momentum, but Adelaide Strikers clawed back into the game.
A middle-order collapse, led by disciplined bowling from Henry Thornton (2/28) and Jamie Overton (2/32), left Sydney Thunder reeling. The match seemed to tilt in Adelaide’s favour as wickets fell at regular intervals, increasing the pressure on the lower order.
Enter Sams, who took charge with a sensational knock under pressure. Coming in at a precarious moment, Sams smashed an unbeaten 42 off 18 balls, peppering the boundary with 4 fours and 3 towering sixes. With nerves of steel, he brought the required run rate under control and steered his team to victory in the final over. For his breathtaking lower-order heroics, Sams was rightly named Player of the Match.
Here is how Twitter reacted:
Sam Constas made a stunning debut in the Big Bash League (BBL) during the third match between Sydney Thunder and Adelaide Strikers, creating a memorable moment with his record-breaking performance. He scored the fastest half-century in Thunder’s history, achieving the feat in… pic.twitter.com/nVbvvJVkMr
— ꧁𝙎.𝙆.cнouнᴀɴ꧂ 🚨 (@Police_Sab) December 17, 2024
Youngest cricketers to score a maiden fifty in Big Bash League:
19y 76d – Sam Konstas (Sydney Thunder) vs Adelaide Strikers, today
19y 104d – Jason Sangha (Sydney Thunder) vs Melbourne Stars, 2018
19y 156d – Matthew Gilkes (Sydney Thunder) vs Perth Scorchers, 2019#BBL14 pic.twitter.com/pWj2hu2evX— The Stats Kid (@TheStatsKid1523) December 17, 2024
Daniel Sams after watching the batsman above him failing to get Thunder over the line… #BBL14 pic.twitter.com/avyNyo9Am4
— Mathew (@Brooma_23) December 17, 2024
Daniel sams can be cruel sometimes;) 🙂
— Mr cricket (@Mr_crickt) December 17, 2024
Years back Sydney Thunders Bowled out for 15 against Strikers.
Today Thuders required 34 off 12 with just 3 Wickets remaining. Sams came up with
6 6 4 6 4 4.
— Box ! Box ! (@hariharan1793) December 17, 2024
Captaincy disaster class!
Shabaash Sams! 👏
34 needed in 12 for Sydney Thunders.
Sams goes 6 6 wd 4 6 4 4 vs Pope.
31 runs from the over.
Equation now 3 from 6 balls!#BBL
— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS) December 17, 2024
Daniel Sams, you monster!
Sydney Thunder were all but out of the game with 34 needed off 12 balls and seven wickets down.
Sams to Lloyd Pope
6,6,wd,4,6,4,431 RUNS OFF THE OVER! 💥 pic.twitter.com/NurXHeUaL6
— Omkar Mankame (@Oam_16) December 17, 2024
Sydney Thunder defeated Adelaide Strikers by 2 wickets 🏏#Cricket #BigBashLeague #BBL2024 pic.twitter.com/ylBhM6jSzh
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 17, 2024
The exciting 19 YO Sam Konstas smacks a 20-ball 50 in the BBL for Sydney Thunders in his T20 debut. Goes for an enterprising 56(27), 8 4s, 2 6s. Remember it was between him, Bancroft & Mcsweeney for the 2nd opener. Straya should drop Mcsweeney & bring in Konstas for MCG & SCG.
— Srini Mama (@SriniMaama16) December 17, 2024
Only Sydney thunder can bottle this game
— DW STAN (@122manchester_) December 17, 2024