The Sixers topped 125 off their last 10 pitches after a brilliant opening spell from Dan Worrall
Sixers Sydney 5 for 177 (Christian 50, Hughes 46 *, Worrall 2-12) beat Adelaide Strikers 7 for 139 (Wells 36, O’Keefe 2-8, Manenti 2-23) with 38 runs
With a 15-ball blistering half-time by Dan Christian, the second fastest man in BBL history, he completely changed Sydney Sixers ’slow anvil overall which proved very comfortable winning against an Adelaide Strikers team that allowed things slide away twice in the game.
Dan Worrall gave up a real spell of 2 for 12 as the Sixers held on to 2 for 52 in the first half of their innings, but the second ten pets were spoiled for 125. The Strikers decided Danny Briggs has been sent off for the second time this season, including Liam Scott overall but went for 28 in two goals and then made 10 off 12 deliveries.
The Strikers ’response started well with an opening stand of 52 in 4.3 overs, but the innings fell off quickly when Ben Manenti made the economic move and claimed two major wickets. However, with Worrall’s early fine workmanship and fast-running launch, the Strikers were able to claim the Bash Boost point within five innings.
Wobble Worrall’s new member
For large portions of Worrall’s four petals Sixers bats could not bat him. The 18 dot balls he put down were the biggest in his BBL career. Seeing him go so well, he got all four of his kicks on the kick with captain Alex Carey and was instrumental in keeping the Sixers to 2 for 52 in 10 pets. He defeated Josh Philippe three times in the opening and was rewarded for his wicket when the opener tried to create a scoop and was caught behind him off a glove, although Philippe did not look good. He continued to toss the ball past the edge of Jack Edwards and James Vince, removing the last one when Edwards got a thick nickname for Carey.
Christian actor
After going down to 3 for 61 in 12 pets, the Sixers hotel was quickly transformed with a display of incredible Christian beats. He took 22 off the second from Scott and then Rashid Khan, held back until the 10th over, for 16. The next three went against Wes Agar (the first of the Power Surge) bringing Christian to 15-ball half-century, second only to Chris Gayle’s 12-ball effort in BBL history. Christian, however, fell the next delivery. A couple of silent showers followed, but Jordan Silk, Daniel Hughes and Jason Holder – launching his first delivery in the BBL for six – hit useful shots.
Manenti stops the Strikers
Phil Salt and Jake Weatherald got off to a great start to the season with the most prolific four-over (47) play of the season to date with the second Holder above the cost 18. Christian won when Christian Salt got an edge inside his carry-on pack for the keeper, but it was Manenti’s last three goals (after his first cost 13) that stopped the chase. He had caught Weatherald at deep level and then taken Matt Renshaw from a respectable sweep while claiming 2 for 10 in his second spell.
Long way short
At the mid-point of the chase the Strikers had a chance, needing 102 from 60 balls and the Power Surge up the narrow, but were put back badly when Carlos Brathwaite grabbed a man through Carey with the his first delivery. Steve O’Keefe also hit his first as he got away quickly from the Strikers and the Surge made just 16 from both pets. The latter was hit by a Christian, using the round-wicket line and expertly cramping the batsmen for space to unleash individual personal achievement.
Andrew McGlashan is deputy editor at ESPNcricinfo