Sherfane Rutherford’s blistering knock in the final over powered Sydney Thunder to a nail-biting four-wicket victory over Perth Scorchers in their Big Bash League 2024-25 clash at Perth Stadium. In a match that swung back and forth, Rutherford’s late fireworks sealed Thunder’s third consecutive win, pushing them to second on the points table.
Finn Allen Blasts Scorchers to a Competitive Total
Perth Scorchers, led by their explosive opener Finn Allen, put up a challenging 177/4 after winning the toss. Allen wasted no time in attacking Sydney Thunder’s 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 from Matty Hurst, who contributed a steady 23 before falling to Chris Green. However, once Allen departed, the Scorchers’ middle order wobbled. Green’s double strike — dismissing Allen and skipper Ashton Turner for a duck — triggered a mini-collapse as the Scorchers slipped 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 a composed 43* off 31 balls, while Hobson added 21* off 17 to push 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, skipper David Warner took charge, stitching an 89-run partnership with Matthew Gilkes to put Thunder on the front foot.
Both batters scored brisk 40s, with Warner falling just one 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 off Cooper Connolly’s wide delivery.
Just when Thunder seemed in control, the Scorchers fought back. Jason Behrendorff and Lance Morris struck in quick succession, removing Oliver Davies and Warner to reduce the visitors to 113/4.
Rutherford Takes Charge in a Thrilling Finish
Enter Sherfane Rutherford. The West Indies all-rounder took the game by the scruff of the neck, hammering boundaries at will to keep Thunder in the hunt.
Needing 12 off the final over, Rutherford faced seasoned campaigner Andrew Tye. Unfazed by the pressure, he smashed three boundaries in the over. This included a four off the final ball to take Thunder over 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 batter launched a six during his six-ball stay, finishing with an unbeaten 9*.
With this win, Sydney Thunder have now won three matches on the trot. They have jumped to second on the BBL points table.
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