Thunder vs Sixers, 48th Match at Adelaide, BBL, Jan 22 2021 - Match Result

Two big games tomorrow. First, the Heat look to keep their play-off hopes alive against the Renegades, and then the big one: the Stars against the Scorchers at the MCG, with the hosts in a scrap for the play-offs. We'll be here to talk you through it as ever, and remember to check out Andrew McGlashan's report on tonight's carnage, but until then, it's goodnight from Ranjith and myself.

No prizes for guessing who the player of the match is. "It would be right up there [with my best innings]. Definitely top five," says Hales. "Really good day at the office for us. For us to turn up in the Sydney derby is really good. It's about finding that balance, having that positive intent but not throwing your wicket away. [Finals] It's a massive win for us, confidence-wise. The last few games haven't quite gone to plan. Hopefully we can get on a little roll now. I was just being sarcastic when I got back to the dugout, saying the pitch was spinning and seaming everywhere. Everyone put their hand up, came in and scored quickly from ball one. [Contact from England] No, nothing at all. Nothing from that end. I'm just going to see what happens. I hope so, that's the peak of cricket, playing for your country. If that's the end result, then brilliant. [Pitch] Really, really good. A ground that I really enjoy batting at. It's a beautiful place to play cricket. [Bowling effort] Really really impressive on a good pitch."

So the Thunder jump into third thanks to a 46-run win. This was a flat deck and Alex Hales made hay, hitting the second century of the season - and the second at the Adelaide Oval by a man named Alex in as many nights - as the Thunder piled on the biggest total in BBL history. The Sixers bowled poorly: they were in the game for one over, but when Hales cashed in against O'Keefe in the powerplay they were always behind the game. Henriques had some useful time in the middle in the chase but after Philippe fell early, the Sixers never stood much of a chance. They are still well-placed to finish top of the pile, but the Thunder take the Sydney Smash bragging rights.

48 off the last...

Brathwaite. Even an Eden Gardens special wouldn't do the job from here.

greg: "this game further pads the Thunder's net run rate and surely ensures their route into the playoffs" -- Yep, they're looking pretty comfortable now

51 off the last.

Danish: "Chris Green only bowled one over..surely could have been given at least another 2." -- You sound like a fantasy player spurned

Laura: "@The phantom, it is not as simple as that. bad umpiring decision can still happen even with DRS (eg when there are no reviews left). hence, the standard of umpiring needs to better!"

Just the 59 needed off the last 12 balls.

Matt M: "Can never be a good feeling when you hit a boundary and the asking rate still goes up..."