Thunder vs Renegades, 40th Match at Sydney, BBL 2023, Jan 17 2024 - Match Result

8:32pm It's still raining, umpires are out. Looks like it's all but done. And Gnasher confirms it a couple of minutes later. Persistent rain has the game called off. Quite the shame that Shaun Marsh won't get a farewell game he deserved. Thunder will finish the season at the bottom of the table. The Finals start in a couple of days with Brisbane Heat taking on Sydney Sixers at Carrara Oval on the Gold Coast. Hope to see you for that. Take care, goodnight.

7:55pm Update = non-update is the sum up for now. The forecast is grim as well. Gnasher informs that the latest this match can get underway is 9:20pm. The rain will need to stop by approximately 8:35pm to prepare the pitch.

Reminder, this is the last league game and the Finals will follow. The four teams have been locked in. Here's Tristan bringing you up to date with the proceedings.

While we wait for the bat flip due to rain, do check out ESPN's Around The Wicket with Daren Ganga on debut.

Nick: "I'm just North of the CBD and it appears to be stopping for a little bit here, might be a chance yet!"

James JW: "Oh yeah, and I would also love to see Scott Edwards join the BBL. Max O'Dowd is another Dutch favourite of mine. Bloke can hit a long ball!!"

The BBL is losing a lot of players to the ILT20 which will affect the finals. Money is a factor but not the only one. Here's Matt Roller with the insights

By the way, Tristan Lavalette caught up with Xavier Bartlett, who's had a breakout season with Brisbane Heat. He talks about swing and aggressive bowling, celebrations, and the prospect of representing Australia. Check it out here.

Dylan: "Nick - Van der Merwe has played, but as a South African - he was with my Heat for BBL01. That's the only other Dutchman though!" Sorry, I mentioned Roelof. And you're right, I missed Heat in the teams list on his profile

In case you missed it, Australia's first Test against West Indies started today. Shamar Joseph made his mark after Cummins, Hazlewood take the early honours

Nick: "Would love to see Scott Edwards join the exclusive club of Dutchmen to play in the BBL - Cooper, Nannes, van der Gugten, ten Doeschate - am I missing any?" Don't know, I'm surprised van der Merwe hasn't played. And a sidenote, Scott Edwards will be categorised as a local.

David: "Raining heavily isn't it? Probably no game?" Andrew McGlashan says it is indeed hosing down. Not sure how much play we're gonna get. Toss/bat flip, which was scheduled for 6:30pm local, has been delayed.

Bat flip coming up soon, you can check this out meanwhile: Shaun Marsh announces retirement while still winning games

6:15pm It's time for the final group-stage match of the season which will also be Shaun Marsh's last appearance, drawing curtains on a 23-year career. The call comes a game after Aaron Finch bowed down at home in a win against Melbourne Stars, thus knocking them out of the Finals race. Both Melbourne Renegades and Sydney Thunder have had disappointing seasons and won't progress further. The only incentive is to not finish bottom of the table, which Thunder can do only with a big win.