Thunder deny Stars through brilliant McAndrew spell

Nathan McAndrew’s five-wicket haul has guided the Sydney Thunder to the penultimate phase of the BBL|14 season.

The Thunder defeated the Melbourne Stars by 21 runs at Sydney Showground in the Knockout on Wednesday night to move through to the Challenger where they’ll meet the Sixers in another Sydney Smash.

The contest was reduced to 19 overs apiece after lightning threatened in the area and it felt like the Stars did a great job with the ball on a very tricky wicket, reducing the Thunder to 7/135.

Melbourne’s spinners bowled particularly well with Usama Mir taking 2/26 from his allotted four overs and Doug Warren keeping it tight to finish with figures of 1/18 (off 3 overs). Seamers Marcus Stoinis (1/18 off 3) and Tom Curran (2/26 off 4) also proved hard to get away.

The home side was served by Ollie Davies who made a controlled 36 (off 35) while Matt Gilkes (28 off 18) and Sam Billings (24 off 25) also contributed, but was the target of 136 enough?

The Stars’ chase started poorly when openers Sam Harper (6) and Tom Rogers (1) were dismissed cheaply by McAndrew while Tom Andrews removed Peter Handscomb for just 11.

There was some hope for the Stars when captain Stoinis and superstar Glenn Maxwell were at the crease together but both eventually fell for 15 and 28 respectively which had the visitors in a deep hole at 5/68.

McAndrew would then claim the prized scalp of Hilton Cartwright (15) before cleaning up the tail to finish with 5/16, his brilliant spell sending David Warner’s Thunder through to Friday night’s clash with the Sixers at the SCG.

The winner of the Challenger will meet the Hobart Hurricanes in the BBL Final at Bellerive Oval on Monday night.

You can hear all the remaining BBL|14 action LIVE on SEN.

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