Sydney Sixers too good for Sydney Thunder in BBL derby

Manuka Oval has been the closest thing to a home ground for the Sydney sides this season due to COVID-19 rescheduling. The Thunder had played five games at the venue this season before Wednesday, winning four of them.

But even at their temporary fortress, the Thunder couldn’t capitalise on the Sixers’ early nerves.

Opening batsman Usman Khawaja, who has been unshakable in partnership with Alex Hales in recent weeks, was dismissed for two by Jackson Bird. The departure had every Sixer on the field grinning from ear to ear.

The wickets continued to fall.

Captain Callum Ferguson had departed for just three when Sixers star bowler O’Keefe stepped up to the crease. He took no prisoners.

First, he sent Sam Billings to the sheds for 15 and then took the crucial wicket of Hales (54) just before the 10-over break. O’Keefe struck again to dismiss Alex Ross (3), eventually finishing with figures of 3-15.

Ben Cutting went for eight to leave the Thunder wobbling. After missing the Thunder’s last two games due to concussion protocols, Daniel Sams proved their saving grace.

Hitting four off the final ball to finish on 50 not out, Sams gave the Sixers a respectable target of 167.

With a rain delay during the break, the chase was reset – and the Thunder refused to go down without a fight.

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Justin Avendano was sent for 17, and then a slow ball from Cutting dismissed James Vince for seven. Young star Tanveer Sangha showed the depth of his potential again, dismissing skipper Daniel Hughes for seven at a crucial point in the match.

Despite multiple lifelines, Jordan Silk managed only 13 – putting huge pressure on Philippe to see it through.

There was a last-minute scare for the Sixers when the youngster was bowled in the second-last over, but the damage was already done.

Carlos Braithwaite finished the job, hitting a boundary with eight balls to go.