Dwarshuis Guides Sixers to Last-Ball Win Over Thunder in Thrilling Sydney Derby
In a gripping Sydney derby that had fans on the edge of their seats, the Sydney Sixers secured a dramatic last-ball victory over the Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League 2024/25. The match, played on December 21, 2024, at Engie Stadium, ended with the Sixers needing 15 runs from the final over, but a stunning six from Ben Dwarshuis in the penultimate ball saw them clinch the win by 5 wickets, with no balls remaining.
The Thunder had set a competitive total of 163/5, thanks largely to an outstanding innings from Cameron Bancroft. The veteran batter, with 70 runs off 52 balls, anchored the Thunder's innings and played a crucial role in lifting them to a respectable score. Bancroft, who has been striving for consistency after a rough patch, found his rhythm against the Sixers, striking three sixes and five fours. Alongside him, Oliver Davies added a quickfire 47 off 34 balls, providing solid support. However, the Sixers’ bowlers kept things tight, with Dwarshuis and Akeal Hosein each claiming two wickets.
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As the Sixers began their chase, the match seemed to tilt in favor of the Thunder, especially when the Sixers were left needing 47 runs from the final four overs. But Jordan Silk, with an impressive 36* off 25 balls, turned the tide, scoring 17 runs from a Nathan McAndrew over. This set the stage for Dwarshuis’ heroics. Coming in with just 20 needed from 8 balls, Dwarshuis didn’t waste any time. His first move was to send Lockie Ferguson over the ropes for a six, and then, with 7 needed from the last two balls, Dwarshuis hammered Chris Green for another six before running a quick single to seal the game.
The win was a remarkable comeback for the Sixers, who had looked unlikely to pull off the victory just a few overs earlier. Dwarshuis’ calm and composed finishing helped his side pull off a win that will go down as one of the most exciting finishes of the season.
Earlier, in the build-up to the derby, both teams had been full of confidence. The Sixers, with a strong lineup led by captain Moises Henriques, had been in excellent form. However, Henriques’ cheeky remark before the match, calling it “an easy two points,” had ruffled the feathers of Thunder’s captain David Warner. Warner, never one to shy away from a challenge, responded by saying that the Sixers needed to back up their cockiness if they were to come out on top.
Despite the Thunder’s improved squad for the season, which includes the likes of Sam Billings and Sherfane Rutherford, the Sixers proved their class in the derby. This victory was important for Henriques’ side, not just for the points, but also for maintaining their dominance in the Sydney Smash. As both teams look ahead, the Sixers’ thrilling win keeps their momentum going, while the Thunder will need to regroup quickly as they face a tough road ahead.
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