The Adelaide Strikers have set struggling Sydney Thunder a highly competitive 178 to win Thursday night’s Twenty20 Big Bash League match at ANZ Stadium.
The Strikers built on a strong opening partnership of 81 between Michael Klinger and Tim Ludeman to reach 6-177 in cool conditions in Sydney.
Klinger top-scored with 60 off 46 balls but struggled for timing and was unable to accelerate the scoring rate during the middle of the innings.
Fellow opener Ludeman struck 46 off 39, while Nathan Reardon impressed with a quickfire 42 off just 20 deliveries.
It took a remarkable catch to dismiss Reardon with Cameron Borgas taking the ball on the boundary rope before tossing it to Scott Coyte to complete the catch as he toppled backwards.
Kieron Pollard played a late cameo belting 16 off seven deliveries, before being caught by West Indian teammate Chris Gayle.
Despite the run-fest, Thunder left-arm paceman Dirk Nannes impressed to take 4-17 off his allotted four overs.
Debutant leg-spinner Adam Zampa nearly started his career in spectacular fashion with wicketkeeper Ryan Carters spilling a difficult chance with his maiden delivery.
Zampa eventually broke the opening partnership with Ludeman stumped by Carters.