Photo Credit: Sydney Thunder
Fast bowler Gurinder Sandhu reflects on Thunder’s thrilling last-ball victory over the Renegades
This week’s stunning last-ball victory has the Sydney Thunder squad full of confidence heading into the Big Bash finals.
The Thunder have booked their spot in The Knockout on Sunday (January 23) where they will face the winner of Friday’s Eliminator between the Adelaide Strikers and the Hobart Hurricanes.
They head into the finals with momentum after the win over the Renegades on Wednesday, thanks in-part to some brilliant death bowling from Gurinder Sandhu.
The big quick took 3-33 to help guide the Thunder to the win, including two wickets in a nail biting final over.
Sandhu knows what a tough win like that does for the squad heading into finals.
“It gives us, and hopefully our fans, belief that we can not play well and still win,” said Sandhu.
“It also shows we can hold our nerve in tight situations with bat and ball.
“Cameron Boyce bowled well and took a double hat-trick and we were still able to come back and build a total of 170 – that shows we can build under pressure and deliver.”
The other thing giving the Thunder Nation belief is the return of captain Usman Khawaja.
Khawaja top scored for the Thunder with 77 from 51 deliveries in his return to the Big Bash after a successful stint with the Test team.
For Sandhu, having his good mate back was a big help during the final over of the match.
“I just tried to keep it really simple, and really clear, chat to Uzzie and come up with a plan,” said Sandhu.
“It was ball by ball, it wasn’t about the whole over.”
Sandhu is confident having Usman back in the squad for the Finals will give the Thunder extra motivation.
“It is awesome to have someone like him come in, not only as a player but as a person to be back around the group,” said Sandhu.
“He’s been here since BBL01, I have been here since BBL02 and we’ve done a lot of things here with the Thunder.
“It is always good to play with him, he is one of my good mates and everyone loves to play with him.”
Name of Author: Sydney Thunder
The Sydney Thunder is an Australian professional cricket team competing in the Big Bash League (BBL). Based at Sydney Showground Stadium, the Thunder, along with the Sydney Sixers, succeeded the New South Wales Blues from the defunct KFC Twenty20 Big Bash.
