Vince’s century steers Sixers to record chase at SCG

James Vince struck the second century of the 2024-25 BBL, taking the Sydney Sixers to the top of the table as they downed the Melbourne Stars by eight wickets on Thursday in Sydney.

Melbourne Stars batted first and made the highest total of the season so far, plundering 9/194 from their 20 overs.

English import Ben Duckett was the star, making 68 runs from just 29 deliveries to set the tone at the top of the innings.

He found company from Thomas Rogers (12 from 6) and then Sam Harper (12 from 12), before a myriad of well-paced cameos took the Stars past the 190-mark.

In response, another Englishman stole the limelight, with James Vince one-upping compatriot Duckett by blasting 101 runs from just 58 balls and carrying his bat to help the Sixers accrue 2/198 from just 18.1 overs.

The chase was the highest-ever at the Sydney Cricket Ground in the BBL, and means the Sixers remain unbeaten from their three matches played.

Big Bash bookies understandably have Sydney Sixers as strong favourites to win the league now, with PlayUp shortening their title odds to $3.75, ahead of the Perth Scorchers on $5.

While Vince almost single-handedly won the match, fellow opener Josh Philippe (42 from 23) and Jordan Silk (34 from 19) also chipped in with handy contributions to aid the comprehensive result.

“Got a few nineties so it’s great to get there,” Vince said after the match.

“And more importantly to get the win.

“Historically on the ground that’s a pretty big score (9/194).

“They obviously got into a position to get to 220-plus so we knew conditions were good.

“And we got a decent start.”

The Sixers will play the Brisbane Heat next, and are $1.80 favourites across cricket betting sites to keep their unbeaten streak alive when the two sides clash on Sunday.

Sports news