Head leaps in the air in delight after scoring his century and leading his side to victory

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Adelaide Strikers batsman Travis Head stole the show against the Sydney Sixers as he blasted an unbeaten 101 to lead his side to an incredible five-wicket win.

Needing 51 to win off the last three overs of the match, Head hammered 56 runs in 15 balls to lead his side to victory from an improbable position.

Strikers captain Brad Hodge would have been brooding over his decision to bowl first as the Sixers got off to a superb start, with openers Ed Cowan and Michael Lumb amassing a 66-run partnership.

However, once Lumb was dismissed for 31, the Sixers began to collapse and lost Cowan in the process for 43.

But, Brad Haddin and Johan Botha gave the Sixers a major spark towards the end of their innings as the former smashed an unbeaten 54, which came off 35 balls and included two boundaries and four sixes, while the latter struck a quickfire 38 not out. As a result, the Sixers finished on 176/5 off their 20 overs.

Haddin made a gutsy 54 not out

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Adil Rashid was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets, while debutant Hamish Kingston and Jon Holland snapped up one wicket apiece.

Chasing 177 to win, the Strikers got off to a solid start before they were reduced to 66/3 in the ninth over. Hodge and Alex Ross departed shortly after before Head took over and punished the Sixers’ bowling attack.

Head lit up the sky at the Adelaide Oval and gave the fans something to cheer about as he put the team on his shoulders and carried them to the finish line with his sparkling knock of 101 off 53 deliveries, which included four boundaries and nine sixes.

Ben Dwarshuis was the most successful bowler with three wickets, while Jackson Bird and Sean Abbott claimed one wicket each.

Head was named Man of the Match.