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Match Report: Christian, Silk lead Sixers to the top as Stars fail to qualify for the Finals

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Jordan Silk and Dan Christian, the two experienced men from the Pink unit took their team home at the Melbourne Cricket Ground as the Sixers beat Stars in the final game of the league round to finish at the top of the points table with 36 points from 14 games. 

Chasing a total of 178, the Sixers were looking for just the Bash Boost initially to make sure that they finish on top of the table as the Boost would have ensured one point which would have pushed them ahead of the Scorchers as the two teams were tied on the points table before this game. The Stars too were looking to defend the Boost as they needed to win with the Boost point to make sure that they make it to the third consecutive BBL Finals. 

The sixers, even after losing two quick wickets got the boost thanks to some inspiring batting by their skipper Moises Henriques and opener James Vince who together added 73 runs off 51 balls for the fourth wicket. However, in a matter of 19 runs, three quick wickets fell and Stars came back into the game with the help of their bowlers. However Christian and Silk had other ideas as they went on to achieve the total with ease, putting on an unbeaten 77 run stand of 41 balls to seal the deal for the Sixers. 

Earlier in the day, Sixers had put Stars to bat first after winning the toss and they did not have a good start, losing Stoinis and Gotch early, and with Nick Larkin unable to get the timing right, they were in a lot of trouble. But some big sixes from Maxwell in his captain's knock of 66 from 41 balls and Hilton Cartwright's onslaught at the end made sure that the green brigade reached 177. 

With the last match finished the BBL 2020-21 has its five finalists- Sydney Sixers, Perth Scorchers, Sydney Thunder, Brisbane Heat, and Adelaide Strikers. 

Ben Dwarshius, who was adjudged Man of the Match for his decisive spell of 3-27 said it was crucial for the Sixers to get Stoinis out early. “I could improve in a few stages, but I'm happy with the 19 wickets I've got through the tournament. We'll have a couple of days to celebrate, and then get ready for the Scorchers,” he added while explaining the strategy of the team going forward.


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