THU VS STR KNOCKOUT

That concludes the proceedings for this entertaining match. Get ready folks, for yet another do-or-die contest, as Adelaide Strikers will face Sydney Sixers on Wednesday, 26th January at 1.55 pm IST (8.25 am GMT) in the Challenger. Do join us in advance for the build-up. Cheers!

For his knock of 65 runs, Ian Cockbain is the Player of the Match. Says that it is going well for him and shares that there was no pressure on him while catching Ben Cutting as they practice a lot. Adds that winning six games in a row is a great feeling and he wants his team to keep going strong and build on this momentum. Mentions that he was playing good cricket and is happy to get a call and contribute.

Power Surge was introduced in the Big Bash League to spice things up and we have to say, it continues to make the matches interesting. The Thunder were right on the track as Alex Ross and Jason Sangha propelled the chase. The decision to opt for the Power Surge backfired on them though. The first over of the Surge resulted in two wickets and that took the momentum away from Sydney Thunder. The departure of Sangha was a big blow and thereafter the chase fell flat on its face as the duo of Peter Siddle and Harry Conway did an amazing job at the backend.

The bowling attack of Adelaide Strikers has been one of the most consistent ones in this season and with 184 to defend, they were the favourites heading into the second innings. After removing Alex Hales cheaply and bagging the wicket of Usman Khawaja in a debatable manner, it looked like the Strikers will dominate the proceedings from thereon but they failed to get wickets in the middle period as the stand between Alex Ross and Jason Sangha blossomed. Peter Siddle, the skipper, decided that he will have to take the responsibility and produced two wickets in an over in the Power Surge to drag the game in favour of Adelaide. He bowled a brilliant penultimate over too and in the end, Adelaide Strikers managed to pull off a thrilling win.

SYDNEY THUNDER HAVE BEEN KNOCKED OUT! What a game we have witnessed here! This was supposed to be a high-pressure game and some high-intensity action was expected. We got exactly what we expected and Adelaide Strikers have continued their dream run. They will now take on Sydney Sixers for a place in the summit clash.

Nearly a hat-trick! This one is served on a length around off, Nathan McAndrew heaves it over mid-wicket and the fielder in the deep charges forward to attempt for a low catch. He fails to grab it and the batsmen take two. That's not enough as Adelaide Strikers win by 6 runs and qualify for the Challenger.

Matthew Gilkes is the next man in. Conway on a hat-trick.

OUT! Cutting holes out and Adelaide Strikers are through unless there is some drama on the last ball! In the slot, on a length, Ben Cutting towers it in the air but fails to pack his shot with enough power. Ian Cockbain takes a simple catch at long on.

Nathan McAndrew comes out to bat now. He will not be on strike though.

OUT! A collision between Carey and Thornton but the latter has taken the catch. 9 needed off 2 balls. Another slower one, on a length around off, Alex Ross has to go after it and he swings his bat but only to get a top edge. It flies behind towards short fine leg and Alex Carey runs behind to attempt for the catch. Henry Thornton also reacts to his right from short 45. No calling between them and they collide. Luckily for Adelaide Strikers, Henry has caught the ball and also, no damage is done due to the collision.

HUGE DOT BALL! Even slower this time, at 105 clicks, on a length and around off, Ross swings his bat at it but fails to connect. Brave delivery to bowl at this stage.

EDGY FOUR! Fuller in length and wide outside off at 120 clicks, Ross gives the charge and throws his bat at it. The ball takes the top edge and flies over Fawad Ahmed at short third man for a boundary. 9 needed off 4 balls.

Cutting has been hit on the helmet. A manadatory concussion test is going on right now and he looks fine to continue.

Swing and a miss! Short in length and around off at 112.8 kph, Cutting is early into the pull shot and misses. It hits him on the helmet and deflects away to the off side. They cross for a leg bye. The physio comes out to take the mandatory concussion test. Cutting appears to be fine. 13 needed off 5 balls - going down to the wire.

Harry Conway to bowl the last over of the match. 14 needed from 6 balls now. Season on the line!

Run out appeal, taken upstairs! Slower one, short and wide outside off, Alex smashes it to the left of sweeper cover and scampers back for the second run. The throw comes to Carey who breaks the stumps but the dive from Ross makes sure that he is safely in. The third umpire confirms the same. 14 needed off the last over. Super Over, anyone?

Keeps it very full and around off, Cutting hangs on the back foot and forces it to long off for one. Big delivery coming up now...