THU VS STR MATCH 3

Right then, that will be it from us for this contest. We hope you enjoyed the coverage. Do join tomorrow for the fourth game in the BBL 2024-25 where the Melbourne Stars will take on the Brisbane Heat from the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne. That game will start at 1:45 pm IST (8.15 am GMT). But as you know, you can always join early for all the build-up. Until then, take care, and cheers!

Daniel Sams IS THE PLAYER OF THE MATCH. Sams says it was one of those where his plan paid off. Says he and Chris Green had planned to go hard in the Surge and once Pope came on he seized the opportunity in the 19th over though it was outside Surge. Closes by saying that wins at the start of the tournament are always healthy for any side.

Earlier in the game, the Adelaide Strikers, batting first, managed to post a competitive total of 182 runs, thanks in large part to the brilliant knocks from Jake Weatherald and Jamie Overton. Both Weatherald and Overton scored crucial 40s, contributing to the Strikers total and ensuring that they had a defendable score on the board. While the Sydney Thunder's bowling wasn't entirely convincing, Lockie Ferguson and Chris Green were standout performers, claiming three wickets each. Tanveer Sangha also chipped in with a couple of wickets, providing some much-needed support to the Thunder's bowling unit.

The Adelaide Strikers bowling performance was a tale of two extremes as they were hot and cold. Initially, the Strikers' bowlers struggled to find their rhythm, allowing the Sydney Thunder to get off to a flying start. However, as the innings progressed, the Strikers' bowlers found their footing, particularly in the middle phase. Jamie Overton and Henry Thornton were the pick of the bowlers, claiming two wickets each. The spin duo of Cameron Boyce and Lloyd Pope also chipped in with a wicket each, as did Matthew Short and Fabian Allen. However, just when it seemed like the Strikers had the game in the bag, their bowlers lost their grip in the final few overs. The Thunders led by Daniel Sams, took advantage of the Strikers' lapse and launched a stunning counterattack. In the end, the Strikers could not close out the game which proved costly, as the Thunder snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.

What a thrilling chase it was! The Sydney Thunder, tasked with chasing down a formidable total, got off to a blistering start thanks to the young sensation, Sam Konstas. The 19-year-old's explosive batting set the tone for the Thunder's innings, and they seemed to be cruising along smoothly. However, the dismissal of Konstas proved to be a turning point, as the Thunder's batting lineup began to lose its way. The Adelaide Strikers' spinners, weaved a web of restriction, making it difficult for the Thunder batters to score freely. As the innings entered its final stages, the Thunder found themselves in a precarious position, needing 34 runs off the last two overs. It seemed like an uphill task, but then, Daniel Sams happened! The Thunder all-rounder took it upon himself to take down Lloyd Pope in the penultimate over, smashing 31 runs off it to turn the game on its head. The equation became a mere formality, and the Thunder coasted to victory in the final over not without drama though.

What a thrilling contest we've just witnessed! The Sydney Thunder and Adelaide Strikers have served up a real treat, with the Thunder emerging victorious by a slender margin of 2 wickets.

Sams befittingly finishes things off in style. Full toss wide of off, Daniel Sams slaps this towards sweeper cover for a single to win this contest. Sydney Thunder have won this by 2 wickets and a couple of balls to spare.

On a length wide of off, Daniel Sams swings and misses.

NO BALL! Oh no, Jamie Overton has bowled a waist height no ball and the scores are level. Sams had no time to flick this away for runs through.

On a length around the pads, Lockie Ferguson flicks this towards deep mid-wicket and takes one.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND GON! Are we in for something miraculous over already what has been a miraculous knock from Sams? Full toss on off, Nathan McAndrew looks to lob this behind Short at mid on but the ball lofts off the cue end and straight to Matthew Short at mid on for a simple catch.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND GON! Are we in for something miraculous over already what has been a miraculous knock from Sams? Full toss on off, Nathan McAndrew looks to lob this behind Short at mid on but the ball lofts off the cue end and straight to Matthew Short at mid on for a simple catch.

FOUR! 31 off this Pope over and Daniel Sams has turned this one upside down. Full and wide outside off, Daniel Sams hammers this down the ground towards long off for another boundary to close the over. All the ball disappeared to the fence in this over. Just 3 needed off the final over.

FOUR! Another boundary and every delivery so far has disappeared. Tossed up around off, Daniel Sams moves to his leg and opens up the off side, lofts this over cover for four runs.

SIX! Sams is looking to finish it in this over itself. Tossed up around the pads, Daniel Sams moves across and smashes this towards the deep backward square leg region for another biggie. Daniel Sams has snatched this game out of the grasp of Adelaide Strikers in matter of 4 balls.

FOUR! Sams is making this contest turn upside down. Short and wide of off, Daniel Sams hammers this up and over the cover fielder for a boundary more. Pope is under some serious pressure.

WIDE! Full and wide outside off, Daniel Sams leaves it. Wided.