Watson struck two boundaries and five sixes during his innings of 55
Image courtesy of: Zimbio
Sydney Thunder captain Shane Watson led by example as he smashed a brilliant 55 to not only lead his side to a six-wicket win over the Hobart Hurricanes, but also ensure they weren’t knocked out of the Big Bash League (BBL).
Choosing to bowl first, the Thunder dealt the Hurricanes two quick blows as captain Tim Paine and his opening partner, D’Arcy Short, were dismissed for four and a golden duck respectively.
Ben McDermott and George Bailey stemmed the bleeding with a 46-run partnership before McDermott was run out by wicketkeeper Jay Lenton for 31.
Daniel Christian fell shortly after for 16, but the Hurricanes recovered courtesy of Bailey and Jonathan Wells’ 49-run stand, during which Bailey brought up his fifty.
Wells was finally dismissed for 26 by Carlos Brathwaite and this sparked a small collapse. However, Bailey held his own and went on to make an unbeaten 69, which came off 54 balls and included seven boundaries and a six, to guide the Hurricanes to 161/8 off their 20 overs.
Bailey’s valiant knock of 69 not out went in vain
Image courtesy of: Zimbio
Brathwaite and Pat Cummins picked up two wickets apiece, while Clint McKay chipped in with one.
Chasing 162 to win, the Thunder got off to an excellent start as their opening pair of Kurtis Patterson and James Vince amassed a 62-run partnership before Patterson was caught behind off the bowling of Stuart Broad for 23.
Vince went on to make 44 before he was dismissed by Cameron Boyce, but captain Shane Watson and Ben Rohrer stabilised the innings with a 63-run stand, during which Watson surpassed his half-century.
Watson ended up making 55 off 31 balls, which included two boundaries and five sixes, before he was caught behind off the bowling of Christian.
Despite losing Brathwaite for six, the Thunder managed to mop up the remaining runs and triumphed with 19 balls to spare.
Boyce was the most successful bowler with two wickets, while Broad and Christian claimed one wicket each.
Watson was named Man of the Match.