Led by player of the match Steve O’Keefe, the Sydney Sixers are guaranteed a home match in the KFC BBL Finals series after securing a 19-run win at the SCG over their cross-town rivals from Sydney Thunder.
The win was the Sixers’ fifth of the season and sees them move to second place on the ladder with one regular season match remaining - a clash with titleholders Perth Scorchers in the Western Australian capital next Tuesday.
Pending results of that match and others involving fellow contenders, the Sixers could host the 3rd vs 4th match – named ‘The Knockout’, or ‘The Challenger’ (loser of The Qualifier v winner of The Knockout) or even the Final.
Batting first tonight, the Sixers were immediately under pressure when Steve Smith fell on the first ball, before James Vince (27) and Josh Philippe (47) built a steady partnership. Aided by 35 from Jordan Silk and a four-ball, ten run cameo from Ben Dwarshuis, the home side went on to finish 7-151.
David Warner and Alex Hales (28) had 44 runs when the latter was bowled by O’Keefe with the second ball of the fifth over and from then on, the Sixers held the ascendancy.
O’Keefe finished with 3-13 from his four overs, including the crucial wicket of Warner for 37.
For the full match report, CLICK HERE.
The scorecard is HERE.