Strikers skipper Matt Short has led his side to another stunning victory, belting a brutal 82 from 41 deliveries in front of more than 20,500 fans as Adelaide chased down Sydney Thunder’s 200 with six wickets and two balls in hand to open their KFC BBL|13 account.
Joined by namesake D’Arcy at the top of the order, who was one of four players presented their fresh Strikers caps before play, the openers piled on a match winning 139 from just 77 for the first wicket in the huge chase, a partnership highlighted by eight sixes and ten fours.
In all, an incredible 34 fours and 17 sixes were struck in the thrilling shoot-out, with the flight path overhead often in danger as players swung for the fences throughout the clash that inspired memories of last season’s record 230-run pursuit against Hobart Hurricanes at the same venue.
Defying the long odds, the Short duo electrified a partisan crowd with their outrageous stroke play, calling on fans to regularly return the ball from the back rows.
Making an unforgettable impact in his Strikers debut, D’Arcy produced a chanceless knock of 66 from 47 that will have the competition on notice that the two-time BBL Player of the Tournament is in form and ready to launch at the top of the Adelaide order.
With no boundary big enough, Matt registered an astronomical strike-rate of 200 in his innings, ironically the same number that the Strikers had been asked to chase following a similarly destructive batting innings from the visitors.
Winning the flip and electing to bat, the Thunder lost seven wickets on their way to their double-century, with debutants David Payne and Jamie Overton taking two wickets each for the Strikers.
Cameron Bancroft led the way with the blade, crunching seven boundaries in a dig of 74 from 54 at the top of the order, brilliantly supported by Alex Ross (46 from 26) and Ollie Davies (32 from 17).
English international Overton got his time in blue underway on a powerful note, dismissing Matthew Gilkes for a golden duck with just his second delivery as an Adelaide native.
Matt Short didn’t restrict his heroics to the batting innings, snaring two classic catches and taking a wicket of his own to ensure there was no other choice for the Player of the Match award.
Following the incredible display of power hitting from the Shorts, returning stars Chris Lynn and Adam Hose played their part in the massive chase, with Hose stepping up to the plate and clearing the fence to secure victory and complete another chapter to the Strikers storied history.
The Strikers now prepare for a trip East to face Sydney Sixers at the SCG on Friday, with first ball scheduled for 6.45pm ACDT. Adelaide fans will next have the opportunity to see their team at Adelaide Oval at the iconic New Year’s Eve match, with tickets available now by clicking here.