#bigfinal

New Post has been published on http://www.sportsbanter.com.au/sixers-strike-it-big-into-bbl04-final/

Sixers strike it big into BBL04 final

A record Adelaide Oval crowd of 52,633 were silenced after Sydney Sixers smashed their way into their second BBL final with a clinical 87-run win over Adelaide Strikers.

Nic Maddinson single-handedly blew the game right open with an explosive knock of 85 off just 48 deliveries that included seven fours and five sixes, instrumentally guiding the Sixers to a daunting 4/181 after their 20 overs.

The minor premiers were upstaged and completely outplayed in-front of a fair few disappointed onlookers. Sydney didn’t require the heroics of Jordan Silk as the top order and bowlers put a brutal end to an almost flawless Adelaide season.

Michael Lumb and Riki Wessels powered the Sixers through the first power play at nearly a run-rate of 10, before a mix up saw Lumb who has struggled to kick on from many starts in BBL04, run out for 32.

Wessels sent shivers through all viewing cricket followers when a Kane Richardson bouncer cannoned into his helmet and miraculously lodged itself in between the grille and peak, without causing any physical damage.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-ewQhFV5Nc

Soon after he was struck again, flush on the head of the helmet, although he didn’t seem fazed. His eventful stay at the crease eventually ended on 24 by a Shaun Tait yorker.

Maddinson looked a new man taking a spell from opening the batting, building his innings with a touch of intelligence and controlled aggression. Working sensibly away on 15 off 14 balls, the left-hand dynamo soon exploded, sweetly crunching the Strikers attack to all parts.

Skipper Moises Henriques (27 not out) offered good support as Maddinson continued to torment the home side, elegantly piercing the smallest of gaps, then edging over and to the left of a diving Tim Ludeman behind the stumps.

In an attempt to up the tempo once more, Richardson finally broke-through trapping Maddinson in front for a stellar 85. By then the damage was done as a dinky Ryan Carters ramp sailed over the keepers head, one final magic moment that led the Sixers to a commanding 4/181.

The Strikers’ lackluster intensity seeped into their run chase, with dangerous trio Craig Simmonds, Ludeman and Travis Head all back in the sheds within the first 25 balls courtesy of a well-drilled Sixers attack.

Despite plenty of runs on the board, Sydney continued changing it up, a ploy unsettling the Strikers’ batsman; Dutchman Ryan Ten Doeschate capping off a disappointing BBL series falling to the spin of Nathan Lyon in the deep.

Not even Brad Hodge could dodge the Sixers’ onslaught, scoring 20, as the Strikers crumbled at the height of the Sixers’ relentless pressure and well-executed bowling plan for a paltry 94.

Each Sydney bowler contributed; Doug Bollinger claiming a game high 3/21. Brett Lee’s cricket swansong is set for a grand finale either against Perth Scorchers or Melbourne Stars on Wednesday at Manuka Oval in Canberra at 7.40pm in the fourth final of the KFC T20 BBL.