Thunder book BBL finals spot with MCG win over Stars, Hobart stuns the HeatThe Sydney Thunder have staggered to a three-wicket win against the lowly Melbourne Stars, booking their spot in the BBL finals. Chasing just 120 to win at the MCG, the Thunder slumped to 5-60 and were in danger of blowing a golden opportunity to seal a place in the top-five. The Thunder were staring down the barrel after being 7-88 but Stars captain Adam Zampa dropped a sitter to give Daniel Sams a life. Sams smashed an important, quick-fire 28 before Zampa (3-26) bowled him in the next over to keep the Stars in the match. But the damage from Zampa's dropped catch had been done with captain Chris Green and Nathan McAndrew steering the Thunder home with seven balls remaining, securing fourth spot and a home final.
"We know they are playing good cricket at the back end and we know we will have to play good cricket to beat them. "During the Stars' innings of 7-119, Pakistan spinner Usman Qadir dominated with figures of 3-24. Qadir claimed the key scalps of Tom Rogers (35), Australia white-ball player Marcus Stoinis and big-hitting Beau Webster to put the Thunder in a commanding position. Former Australia player Hilton Cartwright top-scored for the Stars with a patient 36, but fell to Thunder captain Chris Green (2-19).
Bazley needed a four off the final delivery to win the match but could only squeeze a single, leaving the Heat at 8-118. "What a game. We obviously took a risk bowling myself and Riley (Meredith) out early. We knew full well that Tim (David) was going to have to bowl the 20th (over), " Ellis, who took 2-26, told Fox Cricket. "Fortunately it just came off. We got a couple of wickets at the right time.