Rutherford’s heroic finish sealed the win for the Thunder

Sherfane Rutherford’s knock in the final over Sydney Thunder sealed a four-wicket win against Perth Scorchers in their 2024-25 Big Bash League clash at Perth Stadium. In a game that swung back and forth, Rutherford’s late fireworks sealed the Thunder’s third straight win, moving them into second place on the points table.

Finn Allen turns Scorchers to a competitive total

Perth Scorchers, led by their explosive opener Finn Allen, posted a challenging 177/4 after winning the toss. Allen wasted no time in attacking the Sydney Thunder bowlers, reaching 68 off just 31 balls. His innings, with six boundaries and five towering sixes, laid a strong foundation for the hosts.

Allen found early support from Matty Hurst, who contributed a steady 23 before falling to Chris Green. However, once Allen left, the Scorchers’ middle order faltered. Green’s double strike, dismissing Allen and skipper Ashton Turner for a duck, sparked a mini-collapse as the Scorchers slumped from 102/1 to 110/4 in quick time.

Cooper Connolly and Nick Hobson steadied the ship with an unbeaten partnership of 67 runs. Connolly top scored with a composite 43* from 31 balls while Hobson added 21* from 17 to push the Scorchers to a competitive total.

Warner and Gilkes lead the Thunder’s chase

Chasing 178, Sydney Thunder suffered an early blow when Blake Nikitaras fell for just one run. However, skipper David Warner took charge and put on an 89-run partnership with Matthew Gilkes to put Thunder in front.

Both batsmen scored 40s, with Warner just short of a half-century. His 49 off 33 balls included five boundaries and two sixes, while Gilkes contributed a solid 40 before being stumped by Cooper Connolly’s wide delivery.

Just when the Thunder seemed to be 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 finish

Enter Sherfane Rutherford. The West Indies all-rounder took the game by the scruff of the neck, scoring boundaries at will to keep the Thunder in the hunt.

Needing 12 from the final, Rutherford faced seasoned campaigner Andrew Tye. Unblemished under pressure, he smashed three boundaries in the over. That included a four off the final ball to take Thunder over the line.

Rutherford’s unbeaten 39 off 19 balls included five fours and a six.

Rookie Hugh Weibgen also played a crucial role in the chase. The young batsman hit a six during his six-ball stint, finishing with an unbeaten 9*.

With this win, Sydney Thunder have now won three games on the trot. They have climbed to second place in the BBL points table.

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