The Thunder celebrate after winning their maiden BBL title

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Usman Khawaja gave Sydney Thunder captain Michael Hussey the perfect send-off as he handed the side their maiden Big Bash League (BBL) title.

Khawaja smashed a magnificent 70 as the Thunder beat the Melbourne Stars by three wickets in nail-biting circumstances.

Hussey would have been fairly content with his decision to bowl first as Kevin Pietersen was the Stars’ only batsman to have a major impact.

Pietersen blasted an impressive 74 off 39 deliveries, which included four boundaries and five sixes, but did receive small, but vital, contributions from a number of other team-mates as the Stars finished on 176/9 off their 20 overs.

Pietersen scored a valiant 74

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Shane Watson and Chris Green picked up two wickets apiece, while Andre Russell, Clint McKay and Jacques Kallis chipped in with one wicket each.

Chasing 177 to win, the Thunder got off to a superb start as Khawaja and Kallis amassed an 86-run partnership, during which Khawaja brought up his half-century, before Kallis was dismissed for 28.

Following Kallis’ dismissal, the Thunder kept losing wickets at regular intervals, which included that of Khawaja, who was removed for 70 off 40 balls, which included five boundaries and three sixes.

Khawaja raises his bat after bringing up his half-century

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

With the Thunder having been reduced to 173/7 at the end of the 19th over, they still required four runs to win off the last over of the match.

Ben Rohrer managed to get two runs off the first ball before failing to add to the score off the second ball. However, it was on the third ball that Rohrer sealed the deal for the Thunder as he smashed a huge six down the ground to lead his side to a thrilling win.

Marcus Stonis was the most successful bowler with three wickets, while Adam Zampa snapped up two and Stars skipper David Hussey claimed one.

Khawaja was named Man of the Match.