Shirvan Rutherford's powerful knock in the final over powered Sydney Thunder to a four-wicket win over Perth Scorchers in a 2024-25 Big Bash League match at Perth Stadium. In a game that went back and forth, Rutherford's late fireworks ensured the Thunder won their third straight win, moving them to second place in the points table.
Finn Allen blasts the burners to a competitive total
Perth Scorchers, led by explosive opener Finn Allen, put up a challenge of 177/4 after winning the toss. Allen wasted no time attacking the Sydney Thunder bowlers, racing to 68 off just 31 balls. His innings, studded with six boundaries and five towering sixes, laid a solid foundation for the hosts.
Allen found early support from Matty Hurst, who contributed 23 consistent points before falling to Chris Green. However, once Allen was gone, the Scorchers' middle order wavered. Green's double strike – Allen and captain Ashton Turner dismissed for a duck – caused a mini-collapse as the Scorchers slumped from 102/1 to 110/4 in quick time.
Cooper Connolly and Nick Hobson then steadied the ship with an unbeaten 67-run partnership. Connolly top-scored with 43* off 31 balls, while Hobson added 21* off 17 to push the Scorchers to a competitive total.
Warner and Gilkes lead the chase for the Thunder
Chasing 178, Sydney Thunder suffered an early blow when Blake Nikitaras fell for just one run. However, skipper David Warner took over, striking an 89-run partnership with Matthew Gilkes to put the Thunder ahead.
Both batsmen scored quick forties, with Warner conceding just one half-century. His 49 off 33 balls included five boundaries and two sixes, while Gilks contributed a solid 40 before stumping off Cooper Connolly's wide delivery.
Just when the Thunder looked in control, the Scorchers fought back. Jason Behrendorff and Lance Morris struck in quick succession, removing Oliver Davies and Warner to reduce the visitors to 113/4.
Rutherford takes over in a thrilling finale
Enter Shervan Rutherford. The West Indies all-rounder took the game by the scruff, hitting boundaries at will to keep the Thunder in the hunt.
Needing 12 points from the final, Rutherford faced veteran campaigner Andrew Tye. Unfazed by the pressure, he smashed three boundaries in the final over. This included a four off the final ball to take the Thunder over the line.
Rutherford's unbeaten 39 off 19 balls included five fours and a six.
Newcomer Hugh Webgen also played a crucial role in the chase. The young batsman fired six balls during his six-ball stay, finishing with an unbeaten 9*.
With this victory, Sydney Thunder have won three matches in a row. They have jumped to second place on the BBL points table.
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