![BBL|14 [Twitter reactions]: Sam Billings’ remarkable knock propels Sydney Thunders to victory over Melbourne Stars in a last-over thriller](http://betvisa69.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Sam-Billings.webp "BBL|14 [Twitter reactions]: Sam Billings’ remarkable knock propels Sydney Thunders to victory over Melbourne Stars in a last-over thriller")
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In the 14th match of the Big Bash League 2024-25 (BBL), the Sydney Thunder triumphed over the Melbourne Stars by 18 runs in a thrilling encounter at Manuka Oval, Canberra. Sydney Thunder’s all-round performance, coupled with a brilliant knock from their wicket-keeper batter Sam Billings, propelled them to a well-deserved victory. Melbourne Stars🐠, after winning the toss and opting to bowl, found themselves chasing a challenging target of 183.
Sam Billing’s masterclass innings
Sydney Thunder posted a total of 182/8 in their 20 overs, with Billings leading the charge. The English wicket-keeper batter played a scintillating knock of 72 runs off just 39 balls, including 9 fours and 2 sixes. His aggressive batting anchored the Thunder’s innings and gave them a strong platform. Jason Sangha also contributed with a steady 33 runs from 27 balls, hitting 3 boundaries. However, the rest of the batting order faltered, as the Stars’ bowlers fought back in the middle overs.
Melbourne Stars’ bowlers tried to make inroads into the Thunder’s innings, with right-arm fast bowler Beau Webster being the standout performer. Webster claimed 3 wickets for 28 runs in his 4-over spell, showing his skill and control in the powerplay and death overs. Peter Siddle and Usama Mir each took a couple of wickets, but ✱the total was still a ꦏdaunting one for the Stars to chase.
Melbourne Stars’ chase falls short despite Ben Duckett’s fight
Chasing 183, Melbourne Stars’ innings was led by opener Ben Duckett, who top-scored with a composed 67 runs from 49 balls, including 9 fours. However, Duckett’s valiant effort wasn’t enough, as no other batter managed to reach a half-century. The Stars’ middle and lower order collapsed under pressure, and they finished their innings at 164/8 after 20 overs, falling short by 18 runs.
Sydney Thunder’s bowling unit delivered a collective performance, with all bowlers except Oliver Davies claiming at least one wicket. Wes Agar was the standout, delivering a brilliant spell of 4-0-3-25, dismantling the Stars’ middle♓ order. His crucial breakthroughs prevented the oppo♏sition from gaining momentum and were instrumental in sealing the victory.
Also READ: BBL 2024-25: Nick Hobson shine♐s as Perth Scorchers cruise to a 33-run win ov🦋er Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League
Here is how Twitter reacted:
Brilliant batting and l🅷eadership from Billings. Sam’s redeemed himself after a woeful first over! Wes Agar played great Greeny good in the field!
Ver❀y happy with that win. Young Andrew’s bowled꧂ well too.
— Cookie93 (@chris_cookie93)
Sydney Thunder defeated Melbourne Stars by 18 runs 🏏 🌊
— betvisa69.com (@CricketTimesHQ)
Congratulations to Sam Billings 72(39) & 4 Catches [Player of t🦄he Match].
— JaayShaan (Vaidhy𓂃aJayaShankar) (@JaayShaan)
Sam Billings is the fkn greatest
— Casual Dan (@suthodan)
I don’t trust anyone who doesn’t like Sam Billings. There is literally ♒nothing unlikable about him
— Emily (@Emilyrenee_13)
What a knock 👏 Sam Billings brings up a seventh BBL half-century and then some! 🏴🎶
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL)
A Team That Keeps on Giving 2 Free Pts – Melbourne Shits 💩💩💩
— dinesh shiv (@dineshshiv4)
The Unlucky are 0-5.
— Mr. Styles want Smaller clubs to Merge (@ThꦯeStyles83)
The Melbourne Stars need to have a hard look at themselves. They pride themselves on getting the big stars of Cricket but deliver zilch on the pitch. Although they're an embarrassment, from a Gades supporters point of view, it's funny seeing them lose.
— Alex Sar #DonTheSash (@alexmatthewsar)
How bad are the Melbourne Stars!
Absolutely shocking.— Tony Platt (@Barcelona99_)
