Despite the rain-induced anticlimax, we hope you relished the action while it lasted. Stay tuned for more exhilarating BBL encounters, with the Adelaide Strikers set to clash with the Melbourne Stars in Match 20. The first ball is scheduled for 1.45 pm IST (8.15 am GMT), promising another dose of captivating cricket.
The spirits of the thousands gathered at the Sydney Showground Stadium were decidedly dampened as the rain had the final say. The tantalizing prospect of just one more over could have constituted a game, but alas, the weather emerged victorious. The Sydney Sixers might feel a touch hard done by, but in the unpredictable realm of cricket, weather interruptions are an unfortunate reality. As a result, the Sydney Thunder earns a point from this encounter, propelling them to the sixth spot, level on points with the Melbourne Stars but ahead on Net Run Rate.
There is the confirmation that the match has been called off with Sydney Sixers on 34/1 after 4 overs chasing down 152 in 20 overs. Regrettably, official confirmation has come through – the match has been called off. A touch disappointing for the enthusiastic, sold-out crowd that had witnessed some gripping moments, considering the unfolding action and the competitive nature of the match. The Sydney Sixers and the Sydney Thunder will now each be awarded a point as per the regulations. Despite the match reaching an early conclusion, it undoubtedly showcased the talent and competitive spirit of both teams, leaving the fans yearning for more. While the players may have to settle for a share of the spoils this time, the promise of exhilarating cricket continues to captivate audiences, setting the stage for future encounters that are sure to keep cricket enthusiasts on the edge of their seats.
UPDATE - 4.30 pm IST (11.00 am GMT) - The cut-off time for the game is 4.53 pm IST (11.23 am GMT). The umpires recon that the rain might just stop before that and we might have some time to get to see some cricketing action. It is going to be tight and if the rain doesn't stop by then, the match will be abandoned.
UPDATE - 4.10 pm IST (10.40 am GMT) - The intensity of rain has increased and now we will start losing overs. It is not looking good at the moment but we hope that the rain clears away soon and we get to see the game end with a result.
UPDATE - 3.52 pm IST (10.22 am GMT) - OH NO! The umbrellas and raincoats are out in the crowd as the play is interrupted due to rain. We were just one over away for the match to end with a definite result. The covers have been brought out and the players are walking off the field. Hopefully, it is a passing shower and we get to see cricketing action resume again.
In over# 4
4
2
0
4
1
0
Nathan McAndrew 11/0(1)
3.6
4
FOUR! That has been picked up from outside the leg stump to send it over the short fine leg for a boundary. Slower ball outside the off stump line and Kurtis Patterson plays a half sweep, getting a top edge over the short fine leg for another boundary to end the over.
3.5
2
On the pads from a good length. Kurtis Patterson taps the ball to the right of deep square leg for a couple.
3.4
.
Hits the length just over the leg stump line. Kurtis Patterson walks around and looks to flick the ball but gets beaten with pace.
3.3
4
FOUR! What a cracker of a shot over mid-wicket for a boundary after a couple of bounces. Short ball at the batter and rightly punished. Kurtis Patterson pulls it away over mid-wicket for a sensational boundary.
3.2
1
Hits the length hard on the off stump now. James Vince taps the ball to sweepers for a single.
3.1
.
Hits the length hard just outside the off stump line. James Vince looks to run it down to third man but gets beaten.
In over# 3
1
0
1
2
0
0
Gurinder Sandhu 10/0(2)
2.6
1
Pitched up on the off stump line. James Vince drives the ball to the right of mid off and runs a single.
2.5
.
Just short at the batter. James Vince tucks it down straight to mid-wicket.
2.4
1
Hits the length on the stump. Kurtis Patterson flicks the ball straight to deep square leg for a single.
2.3
2
Just short on top of the off stump line. Kurtis Patterson pulls it away to the right of deep mid-wicket and runs a couple.
2.2
.
What a ball, swinging away after pitching. Kurtis Patterson looks to play a straight drive with no foot movement and gets beaten by the late swing.
2.1
.
Pitched up on the off stump. Kurtis Patterson pushes the ball straight to mid off.