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Hampshire moved to the top of the NatWest T20 Blast’s South Group last night by overpowering Middlesex by 21 runs in front of a crowd of around 18,000 at Lord’s

ECB/PA18-Jun-2015
ScorecardMichael Carberry, seen here in Big Bash action, played a vintage knock•Getty ImagesHampshire moved to the top of the NatWest T20 Blast’s South Group last night by overpowering Middlesex by 21 runs in front of a crowd of around 18,000 at Lord’s. Michael Carberry’s 72 not out from 44 balls, and an equally fine innings of 64 from 45 balls by Owais Shah, underpinned Hampshire’s impressive 199 for 5, and Middlesex could only reply with 178 for 9.Paul Stirling smashed a six and nine fours in an explosive 27-ball 54, but when he was caught and bowled by Yasir Arafat in the 11th over, to leave Middlesex 107 for 4, they never looked like chasing down their victory target. It is Hampshire’s fifth win in seven South Group games, while Middlesex have won only two of their seven matches and remain at the bottom of the group.Stirling was joined in an explosive third wicket stand of 88 in 7.5 overs by John Simpson, who also impressed with 35 from 24 balls, featuring a six and three fours, before he perished to a catch at long-on to give Will Smith a second scalp with his innocuous-looking off breaks. Smith had also struck in the first over of Middlesex’s reply, having Nick Compton caught and bowled for a third ball duck, and the home side were 9 for 2 when Nick Gubbins was leg-before to Jackson Bird.But Stirling revived the innings by taking 24 off the fifth over, bowled by the unfortunate Chris Wood. The left-arm seamer was swung high over midwicket for six and, with a wide thrown in, was also taken for four offside fours by the Irishman – the first two punched through the covers and the last two angled away to third man.Insights

Although Kent, Glamorgan, Gloucestershire and even at times Middlesex have played scintillating cricket this season, no team in the South Group has matched the consistency or winning nous of Hampshire. While they have registered regularly strong scores their innings have been far from faultless and on more than a couple of occasions they’ve had to work hard for their wins. Having selected just 15 players in their eight squads so far this season Hampshire are one of the most settled teams in the country and such stability is engendering success. Concerns still linger over the fast bowling however, which remains sporadic and profligate.
Freddie Wilde

Simpson hit Danny Briggs for a successive six and four, and it was only when he and Stirling departed in the 10th and 11th overs that Middlesex’s challenge faded away.James Franklin did his best with some defiant blows, but Andrew Balbirnie and Neil Dexter were both dismissed cheaply by Danny Briggs’s left-arm spin and when Ollie Rayner was run out and Franklin adjudged lbw for a 24-ball 35 in the 17th over, all that remained was for Middlesex’s lower order to bat out the remaining overs.Hampshire’s total was built upon a superb third wicket partnership of 118 in 12.1 overs between Carberry and Shah. The two veteran batsmen – Shah is 36 and Carberry 34 – constructed their stand along classical lines, at first predominantly pushing singles and rotating the strike but later hitting boundaries with great power as they set about the Middlesex attack.Shah was visibly annoyed when he got himself out by stepping back into his own stumps when swinging a ball from Kyle Abbott high over deep square leg for what would have been his third six. As it was, as umpire Graham Lloyd raised his arms high to signal the six to the scorers, Shah was stomping off swishing his bat in anger at his clumsiness.They came together at 27 for 2, after James Vince and Jimmy Adams fell trying to take full advantage of the initial six-over Powerplay. Vince was bowled by Abbott for 14 aiming something violent soon after he had marked his call-up to England’s Twenty20 international squad by taking three fours from the second over of the game, bowled by Harry Podmore, and Adams was leg-before to offspinner Rayner as he attempted to reverse sweep.Carberry and Shah had only just started to accelerate when Hampshire reached the halfway point of the innings at 71 for 2, but 60 runs came from the next five overs as Shah hit Rayner for four, six, four from successive balls in a 14th over costing 17. The 12th over had brought 13 runs, too, with Carberry mainly responsible for that, and Shah took a cheeky two for a free hit at James Harris which he launched high into the hands of long off for a “catch” that didn’t count.Towards the end of his innings, there was one flashing cover drive from Shah, off Podmore, which beat a boundary fielder in front of the Grand Stand even though the ball hit the ropes just ten yards from where he had been positioned.Sean Ervine, replacing Shah, took fours from the first three balls he faced – including a brilliant ramp shot from his first delivery from Abbott – and then smashed Harris straight for six soon after Carberry had swung the same bowler over midwicket for a maximum. Ervine’s 20, which was ended by a magnificent diving catch by Balbirnie, who sprinted in from long-on before throwing himself forward, took only seven balls and, in all, Hampshire plundered 68 from the last five overs.Carberry carved Abbott for two final fours in a 20th over in which the South African fast bowler was punished for 20 runs and contained two no balls.

As the ex-ManchesterCity man turns 29, we remember six Nigerian strikers who never realised their potential

DepophotosOlarenwaju Kayode

Currently featuring with Sivasspor in the Turkish top flight—on loan from Ukraine giants Shakhtar Donetsk—it doesn’t seem that long ago that Kayode was signing for English giants ManchesterCity.

It was an odd move at the time, with Kayode then approaching his mid-20s and not the kind of youth prospect with time to develop on his side.

He had enjoyed an excellent scoring record with Austria Vienna before that move, but has struggled to score consistently since—barring a decent scoring run on loan at Gaziantep.

The Nigeria caps have dried up after he featured four times for the national side in 2017.

AdvertisementGettyIsaac Success

Watford’s record signing when he signed for the Hornets from Granada for a fee estimated to be around £12.5 million in 2016, it’s fair to see that deal never truly worked out for player nor club.

The striker’s time in Hertfordshire was mired by injury, loss of form and off-field controversies, and he ended his spell at the club with a miserable three goals in 63 league games across the Premier League and the Championship.

This season, on loan at Udinese, he’s registered his career best tally for goal contributions, although don’t expect him to add to his two Nigeria caps any time soon.

Getty ImagesJulius Aghahowa

Broke onto the scene at the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations, where he was the tournament’s joint top scorer and caught the eye with his somersaulting celebrations.

He proceeded to win a trio of Ukrainian titles with Shakhtar Donetsk, although Aghahowa’s career took a wrong turn in his mid-20s when he signed for Wigan Athletic.

He failed to net in the Premier League, wouldn’t represent Nigeria again after 2007, and even a return to Shakhtar—wither another domestic title—couldn’t quite reignite his career.

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Getty.Josh Maja

Contrary to others on this list, Maja still has time on his side to realise his potential and fulfil the hype that accompanied the early stages of his career.

However, he is running out of time and it increasingly appears as though we won’t live up to the immense expectations that accompanied him at Sunderland.

Currently with StokeCity in the Championship, he’s scored just once on loan this season, struggling to impress in the second tier, and in fact, has netted just 13 goals with Girondins de Bordeaux, Fulham and the Potters since leaving Sunderland in 2018.

Nonetheless, the 23-year-old is skilful, impresses in the build-up play, and can still be a hit—he just needs the right move this summer.

Mahmudullah, the Bangladesh allrounder, was the first pick in the player by choice draft for the Dhaka Premier League, which begins on April 22

Mohammad Isam10-Apr-2016Mahmudullah, the Bangladesh allrounder, was the first pick in the player by choice draft for the Dhaka Premier League. He was acquired by Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club, who had won the lottery to determine which Dhaka club would get the first pick of the top 13 cricketers in the country. The tournament is due to begin on April 22.Defending champions Prime Bank Cricket Club chose batsman Sabbir Rahman, while Prime Doleshwar Sporting Club took allrounder Nasir Hossain. Abahani, the 17-time champions, went for Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan, who will join the team after his IPL stint with Kolkata Knight Riders.Mustafizur Rahman was the last player picked in the draft, perhaps because he won’t be available to play until July-August. The left-arm seamer will first finish his IPL with Sunrisers Hyderabad and then travel to the UK for the NatWest T20 Blast before joining Mohammaden Sporting Club.Bangladesh Test captain Mushfiqur Rahim also went to Mohammaden, Mominul Haque to Victoria Sporting Club, Soumya Sarkar and Mohammad Mithun to Legends of Rupganj, Anamul Haque to Gazi Group, Mashrafe Mortaza to Kalabagan Krira Chakra and Imrul Kayes to Brothers Union.Only Kalabagan Cricket Academy and Cricket Coaching School passed the chance to pick players from the top two categories.Players in the Icon category will get Tk 30 lakh, while those in the A+ category will be paid Tk 25 lakh for the entire season. Earlier, each club picked a minimum of 10 cricketers from seven categories over 13 rounds. Each club can also register as many overseas players as they want, but can only field one per game.

Bukayo Saka hailed Arsenal fans' after they mocked Burnley supporters with brutal chants as the Gunners sailed to a 5-0 trouncing at Turf Moor.

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Saka scored a brace in Arsenal's 5-0 winFans humiliated home support with chantForward loving their songsGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

Saka continued his remarkable form with another Premier League brace, marking the second consecutive weekend where he showcased his prowess on the road. Following his two goals against West Ham last Sunday, Saka replicated his performance with another double in Arsenal's emphatic victory over Burnley.

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The atmosphere was electric as Arsenal fans revelled in the team's success. In a moment of jubilation and to taunt the Burnley supporters, Arsenal fans unveiled a new chant that resonated throughout the stadium: "Who put the ball in the Burnley net, half our f*cking team did."

WHAT SAKA SAID

Saka was elated to hear the Gooners taking a dig at the opposition fans and said: "Yeah it was a lot of fun out there. I really enjoyed it and it's nice to see the fans coming up with new chants and stuff. I just loved it, so I enjoyed it."

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SAKA CAN'T CALM BEFORE UCL

Arsenal will be competing in Europe's marquee club competition when they take on Porto in the Champions League. After a strong start to the domestic season, Saka can't wait to replicate that form against the Portuguese outfit on Wednesday night.

"The boss has told us we’re the first Arsenal team to win five in a row at the start of the year, so it's a nice achievement and we'll definitely build momentum going forward," he said. "Definitely now that, not only that I'm playing well, the team's playing well, we're scoring a lot of goals because we've got some really important fixtures coming up, starting on Wednesday and I can't wait to go there. I'm really excited. So yeah, looking forward to it and hopefully we can take this form into that game as well.”

The teenager has the talent and commercial appeal to become the face of the Catalan club but can he succeed where past prodigies failed?

In 2006, a young player out of the Barcelona academy signed a deal with adidas. The agreement, reportedly worth around $500,000 per year, felt like a hefty investment for a 19-year-old. After all, the player hadn't yet played a full season of professional football. By the end of the previous season, he had scored six goals and added three assists. He only had 11 top-flight starts to his name.

That deal, for that player, Lionel Messi, proved to be a bargain for Adidas. Now, 18 years later, another La Masia graduate has done the same thing. Lamine Yamal, another right-winger out of the Barcelona academy, penned a long-term agreement to be one of the faces of adidas' global football brand. He will be the only other player in the world to wear Messi's exact boots – adding a visual link to a spiritual connection that has been drawn between the two for some time.

And though it will lead to immense pressure on the teenager, it is an ideal arrangement for the Balugrana. Since Messi left, the Catalan club have lacked a central marketable star – a world class presence who can not only change a game but also sell shirts in spades. Yamal, the newly minted face of adidas, can be that player.

adidas partnership with Lamine Yamaladidas partnership with Lamine YamalThe adidas deal

Yamal's deal was announced in a very modern way. A brief video showed Yamal, sitting on his childhood bed, clad in all-adidas gear, smiling at the camera. The alarm clock next to him beeps, and shows the time "3:04" – a reference to the area code he grew up in. Yamal laces up Messi's boots, and is then shown running onto a football pitch. He throws up his signature celebration, before breaking out a series of tricks and flicks.

It's comparable to the ad Jude Bellingham, another young star, recently featured in for the famous brand. This was a well-thought-out thing, something meant not only to curate an image but also highlight a burgeoning talent.

The company explained their choice, too.

"Adidas is proud to confirm Lamine Yamal joining the adidas family as of today, wearing the X Crazyfast; perfectly suited to his agile and explosive style of play on the wing. Lamine grew up in Rocafonda, 40 minutes from his club’s training ground, and remains proud of his roots in the area," it said in a statement.

"The partnership announcement film that has been posted on adidasFootball channels in collaboration with Lamine celebrates his football journey and connection to the 304, Rocafonda’s area code," it added.

The exact terms of the deal have not been made public. But the video alone shows that this is a serious commitment to an exciting talent. And Yamal deserves it, too.

Advertisement(C)GettyImagesThe search for Messi's successor

There is a prevailing sense that the Blaugrana have been searching for a player like Yamal for some time. The idea of a 'new Messi' has long haunted the halls of La Masia, Barcelona's famed youth academy. At times, it seems like an obsession.

He comes from a long-line of supposed Messi successors – most of which have been unequivocal failures. Bojan, Messi's contemporary at the club, burned out fast – and later admitted that the comparisons to the world's best left a serious mark on his mental health. Giovani Dos Santos and Riqui Puig received much the same treatment – and never delivered on the promise.

The closest thus far has been Ansu Fati. He seemed an ideal replacement. Fifteen years younger than Messi, but a similarly exciting player, he was given the No.10 shirt when the Argentine reluctantly left for PSG in 2021. But that, too, proved to be too much for the teenager, who, four knee surgeries later, is struggling to make the grade at Brighton.

GettyYamal up to the task?

Yamal, it would seem, is the closest thing the Blaugrana have developed to a viable replacement.

The positional similarities are here: Yamal is a left-footed right winger. The skills are, too. Yamal can beat a player with his dribbling prowess and find the bottom corner with an angled shot.

He also has just enough swagger about his game to wow the Barcelona faithful without overplaying in key areas.

The stats – five goals and four assists in all competitions – don't jump off the page. But superstardom stretches beyond numbers. It's about the intangible qualities. Yamal has them.

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GettyA godsend for boring Barcelona

It's something that the current Barca squad is missing all over the pitch. A cursory glance at the starting XI shows a number of very talented and likeable footballers – but no global megastars. The word 'Galactico' is only used in a different major sporting city in Spain.

Still, players of that same stratospheric talent are hard to come by. The Blaugrana have always had at least one. Messi and Neymar were there at the same time. Before them were Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Diego Maradona and Johan Cruyff.

This iteration of Barca – outside of burgeoning star Yamal – doesn't really have one. Robert Lewandowski will go down as a legend of the game. But his fame doesn't stretch beyond football; and he isn't one for massive ad campaigns, either. Pedri, Gavi and Frenkie de Jong are all midfield artists, but share the same issue.

Ronald Araujo, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Jules Kounde and Ilkay Gundogan all have social media presences – almost all footballers do these days. Still, none of them are impactful enough to make waves beyond football fan communities. You'd struggle to find a kid on the streets of Catalonia aspiring to be a tidy French full-back.

It is ironic that this all comes just nine months removed from a season of immense success. Barca coasted their way to a first Spanish top flight title since 2019 last season, claiming La Liga by 10 points. But the manner in which they won didn't catch the eye. This was an excellent defensive team that only let in 20 goals all season. They scored 15 fewer than in the 2020-21 campaign, a season in which the Blaugrana finished third. Put more simply: this version of Barcelona is boring.

Jagmohan Dalmiya, the former BCCI president who will carry out the day-to-day administration of the Indian board following N Srinivasan’s decision to step aside temporarily, has said he is keen to restore Indian cricket’s “good name”

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Jun-2013Jagmohan Dalmiya, the former BCCI president who will carry out the day-to-day administration of the Indian board following N Srinivasan’s decision to step aside temporarily while the investigation into corruption in the IPL is on, has said he is keen to restore Indian cricket’s “good name”, but did not promise “instant results”.Speaking a day after his appointment as temporary BCCI head, Dalmiya said he did not have “any medicine [with which] you get an instant result. We don’t have any such kind of a magic. We will try our best … [to see that] the good name of cricket is retained.”Dalmiya remained noncommittal on whether he will represent India at the ICC while at the BCCI’s helm. “I may or may not represent BCCI at ICC, no decision has been taken yet,” he said. “I am entitled, it is my choice.”He confirmed that Sanjay Jagdale, who tendered his resignation as BCCI secretary on Friday in wake of the scandal, will not return to his post. However, Ajay Shirke, who stepped down as board treasurer, had still not confirmed his exit, Dalmiya said: “As far as Jagdale is concerned, he has told us that he does not want to continue as secretary. But we have not been able to communicate with Shirke so far. We are hoping that we would be able to get a reply [on whether he has reconsidered his decision] from him by tomorrow. We will wait till tomorrow.”When asked about the process by which Jagdale would be replaced, Dalmiya was again noncommittal: “Whether [the power to appoint a new secretary is] available [to me] or not, you will come know tomorrow. I think I have been given adequate powers by the board. But I am not concerned about whether I have powers or not. My concern is that I want to do my duty.”BCCI aside, Dalmiya has headed the ICC previously, and is widely credited to be one of the chief architects who laid the foundation for Indian cricket to become the financial powerhouse it is. This time though, 73-year-old Dalmiya said he would not be looking to call the shots for too long. “I will be happy if I can serve cricket. That is enough for me. I don’t have any wishful thinking.”

Cricket Australia’s chief executive, James Sutherland, has described as “baseless and outlandish” the claims heard in a London court that Australian players were the biggest match-fixers in the game

Brydon Coverdale11-Oct-2011Cricket Australia’s chief executive, James Sutherland, has described as “baseless and outlandish” the claims heard in a London court that Australian players were the biggest match-fixers in the game. The court heard recordings made during last year’s sting in which Mazhar Majeed, the agent and alleged fixing conspirator, claimed to act for Nathan Bracken and knew Ricky Ponting’s manager.Bracken’s manager, Rob Horton, vehemently denied the claims and told the Daily Telegraph that his client was considering taking legal action in London to protect his name, while Ponting’s manager, James Henderson, also dismissed the allegations. Sutherland said he was confident that if the ICC had any inkling of fixing by Australian players, he would have been aware of it.”There is nothing that I have at hand to suggest that these are anything but baseless and outlandish allegations,” Sutherland said. “I’m very confident that through my dealings with the ICC that if there was issues of concern or players who were being monitored or looked at closely that I would understand more about that. The ICC have not told me of anything and on that basis I’m very confident that these are nothing but baseless and outlandish.”These sweeping statements unfairly malign Australian cricketers. If there is one skerrick of evidence we will investigate Australian players. But in my dealings with the ICC I’m very confident that I would know and I would understand if there were concerns about Australian players, or allegations about players, or investigations afoot in regard to Australian players. I have heard none of that.”Sutherland said he would speak to ICC officials on Tuesday about the claims. He said if any Australian player was found to have taken part in match-fixing, Cricket Australia would have no hesitation in issuing a life ban from the game.”There’s no doubt that the game needs to continue to be vigilant,” he said. “The publicity around this is a very clear reminder that there are people out there who want to corrupt the game. It’s very important that we take a position to protect players and officials and the sport itself from being anything but a proper contest.”If there is any issue or any concern, we will investigate them. If we charge players and we find them guilty, we will have no qualms about issuing a life sentence on players who are found guilty of match-fixing.”Paul Marsh, the chief executive of the Australian Cricketers’ Association, said it was “appalling” that the reputations of Australian players had been stained by “someone with a highly questionable reputation”.”Let’s not forget that all of our matches are scrutinised by the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit and there is no evidence whatsoever of Australian players being involved in any form of match fixing,” Marsh said. “In the event that any meaningful, credible information came to light on this issue, we would welcome an investigation, however unless this occurs we should view these allegations as baseless.”Australian cricketers are very well educated about the dangers and consequences of match and spot fixing, and have a strong history in reporting incidents where they have received suspicious approaches. The players and the ACA believe there is no place in the game for match fixing and support the strong penalties in place under the respective ICC and Cricket Australia codes.”

Nottinghamshire Outlaws blasted their highest ever score in the Friends Life t20 as they thrashed Yorkshire Carnegie by 53 runs

05-Jun-2011
ScorecardSamit Patel hit four sixes then took four sixes•PA PhotosNottinghamshire Outlaws blasted their highest ever score in the Friends Life t20 as they thrashed Yorkshire Carnegie by 53 runs thanks to rapid half-centuries from Adam Voges and Samit Patel.Despite losing two wickets in their first four overs, Nottinghamshire still racked up 215 for 6 with Voges hitting 74 from 46 balls, including 10 fours and a six. Voges innings looked pedestrian in comparison to Patel, who smashed 52 from only 23 balls, including three sixes in four deliveries from Joe Root, as the pair shared 94 for the fourth wicket in just eight overs before both were dismissed by Anthony McGrath.In reply, Yorkshire’s hopes of chasing down their target evaporated in the 13th over, with Andy Carter removing Adam Lyth (43) and McGrath in successive balls.Nottinghamshire chose to bat first but lost opener Riki Wessels third ball to Adil Rashid’s leg-spin, while former Notts star Ryan Sidebottom had Alex Hales caught at point in the fourth over.But Voges combined with fellow Australian David Hussey to up the run-rate, with Rashid’s second over going for 18 before Hussey was caught at long-on off David Wainwright for 28. Voges and Patel found the boundary at will, with Root’s one over of occasional off-spin despatched for 22, Patel hitting three sixes over cover.The partnership was ended by McGrath, who had both batsmen caught off a leading edge, but Chris Read thumped three more sixes in the last three overs to finish unbeaten on 34.Yorkshire began well with 33 coming off the first four overs before Ben Phillips yorked Andrew Gale, but found the going tougher once Nottinghamshire took the pace off the ball through Patel’s left-arm spin and the medium-pace of Steven Mullaney.Patel conceded just seven off his first two overs and had Jonny Bairstow caught at long-off for 31 and once Carter removed Lyth and McGrath, Yorkshire sunk rapidly. Four more wickets fell in the closing stages, with Scott Elstone’s stunning boundary catch to dismiss Gerard Brophy off Patel a particular highlight.Patel finished with 2 for 27 to collect the man-of-the-match award as Nottinghamshire made it two wins from two matches in the North Group.

A tight bowling performance from Mountaineers helped them bowl Eagles out for 115 and win the Stanbic Bank 20 Series for the second time since its inception in 2009-10

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Dec-2011
ScorecardMountaineers have won two out of the first three Stanbic Bank 20 Series•Zimbabwe CricketA tight bowling performance from Mountaineers helped them bowl Eagles out for 115 and win the Stanbic Bank 20 Series for the second time since its inception in 2009-10. Mountaineers only managed to get 142 after choosing to bat on a humid afternoon in Harare and considering Eagles had scored 207 runs on the same ground in the qualifying final, they were the favourites to win at the half-way stage. However, Mountaineers’ new-ball pair of Dirk Nannes and Shingi Masakadza rocked Eagles chase early before Chris Harris, the former New Zealand allrounder, and Prosper Utseya, the Zimbabwe offspinner, made important strikes and ensured a 27-run victory for Mountaineers.Shingi Masakadza struck the first blow, getting rid of Ryan ten Doeschate, who had scored a rapid century in the qualifying final the previous day, in the second over of the chase. ten Doeschate cut straight to Shingi’s brother Hamilton Masakadza at point when he was on just 1. Peter Trego was dismissed slashing at a Nannes delivery and when Rory Hamilton-Brown was caught at deep square leg Eagles were in trouble at 25 f or 3.Stuart Matsikenyeri made a solid 34 and forged together a 44-run partnership with Forster Mutizwa to get Eagles back into the game. Matsikenyeri was run out in the 12th over and Mountaineers pounced on the opening. Mutizwa, who had been struck on the shoulder by a throw, gave Utseya a return catch to be dismissed for 27, Elton Chigumbura lofted Harris into the hands of long-on and Eagles could not recover. Utseya ended up with figures of 2 for 10 from three overs while Shingi Masakadza had 3 for 21, taking the final wicket with a yorker that bowled Tinotenda Mutombodzi.It was a stirring performance from the Mountaineers bowlers after their batsmen had fallen a few runs short of a good total. After a brisk start, Mountaineers had lost three quick wickets: Kevin Kasuza was caught in the covers, Hamilton Masakadza, the Mountaineers captain, missed a yorker and was bowled and Timycen Maruma was run out. Those losses left Mountaineers 51 for 3. Phil Mustard ensured the scoring-rate did not dip, hitting seven fours and two sixes in his 56 off 31 balls.Chris Harris played a sensible hand to steady the innings and then Shingi Masakadza chipped in with 23 runs off 18 balls. Mountaineers reached 142, which though not a big total was enough for the bowlers to defend.

The Sydney Sixers began the Big Bash League as one of the least fancied sides but they won the tournament after Moises Henriques set up their chase in the final against the Perth Scorchers

Thr Report by Brydon Coverdale28-Jan-2012
ScorecardBrett Lee picked up two wickets in the first over of the match•Getty ImagesThe Sydney Sixers began the Big Bash League as one of the least fancied sides but they won the tournament after Moises Henriques set up their chase in the final against the Perth Scorchers. In front of a WACA crowd desperate to see the state’s first silverware – albeit not for the Warriors – in nearly a decade, the Sixers spoiled the party and won by seven wickets.Mitchell Marsh had excited the Perth fans with a powerful innings of 77 after Marcus North chose to bat, but Brett Lee helped contain the Scorchers to 5 for 156, which was a gettable, though challenging target. Henriques and Steve O’Keefe put together a 110-run opening stand in the chase and it was a start the home side was unable to pull back.A pair of wickets from Ben Edmondson late in the game gave the Scorchers a sniff, as the Sixers needed 22 from the final three overs. But the Sixers captain Steven Smith procured three boundaries and 15 in total from the next over, a poor one from Nathan Rimmington, and from there it was all very straightforward for the visitors.They reached their target with seven balls to spare, Smith striking the winning boundary down the ground off Ben Edmondson to finish unbeaten on 21 with Ben Rohrer on 3. Led by the 40-year-old Stuart MacGill and fellow veteran Brett Lee, the Sixers players streamed on to the field to celebrate their triumph, which came with no international imports in the final.Instead, it was two local allrounders who set the chase on the right path. O’Keefe struggled early, swinging wildly and missing plenty of deliveries as he battled to find his rhythm, but gradually he started to find the middle of the bat. O’Keefe drew confidence from a flat pull for six off Marsh’s medium pace, although he was still well behind the tempo of his partner Henriques, who brought up his half-century when O’Keefe had only 21.Henriques was especially brutal against the spin of Michael Beer, striking a pair of consecutive sixes over long-on and long-off, and he found gaps all around the ground. On 70 from 41 deliveries, Henriques was tricked by the 40-year-old spinner Brad Hogg, who saw Henriques advancing and sent the ball down the leg side for Luke Ronchi to complete the stumping.O’Keefe kept the chase going well until, on 48, he scooped a catch to short fine leg off Edmondson, two balls after Nic Maddinson (10) had also skied a catch. But Smith and Rohrer ensured the win for the Sixers, a victory that was also due to the bowling of Lee, whose 2 for 21 from four overs helped restrict the Scorchers to a manageable total.Lee began in the perfect way, with two wickets from the first over of the match. Herschelle Gibbs pulled the first ball of the game straight into the hands of deep square leg and later in the over, Ronchi took a big swipe and was caught behind to leave the Scorchers at 2 for 2. Marcus North steadied the home side until he top-edged a sweep off MacGill on 22.However, Marsh and Paul Collingwood formed a useful 62-run partnership, Collingwood paddling sweeps and reverse sweeps to cleverly find the gaps while Marsh used his strength to clear the boundary four times. Marsh took 12 off an Henriques over and launched a monster six over long-on off the bowling of O’Keefe.O’Keefe gave Marsh a life on 55 when he put down a chance at midwicket and in the next over, Marsh made the Sixers pay with a pair of sixes off Mitchell Starc. But Starc grabbed two wickets, Collingwood for 32 and Simon Katich for 12, and Marsh’s 77 not out from 57 deliveries was comfortably the standout performance.In the end, it wasn’t enough, as Henriques and O’Keefe made up for their lapses with the ball and in the field. Henriques was named Man of the Match.