Warner’s heroics propel Sydney Thunder to crucial BBL win

David Warner propelled the Sydney Thunder to an eight-run win over the Melbourne Renegades on Monday in Sydney, striking an unbeaten 86 from 57 balls to take his side up to second on the Big Bash League table.

Cricket bookmakers have shortened the Thunder’s odds of winning the 2024-25 title as a result of the victory.

The Sydney Thunder now sit on the third line of betting at Bet365, paying $6.50 to win their second title, behind the Sydney Sixers ($3.20), Perth Scorchers ($5.50 and level with the Brisbane Heat.

Warner’s innings took his side through to 4/156 after Melbourne stuck Sydney into bat first, with the Thunders’ captain finding little company from the rest of his fellow batsmen.

Matthew Gilkes (23 from 21) made the only notable contribution, sharing a nice 69-run partnership with Warner over the final 6.4 overs of the Sydney innings.

In response, the Renegades were sluggish to start, with Josh Brown (22 from 18), Jake Fraser-McGurk (26 from 27), Tim Seifert (9 from 11) and Jacob Bethell (2 from 4) all struggling to make any meaningful headway against the Sydney bowlers.

Laurie Evans (40 from 26) was the one shining light for the visitors, but his innings failed to take the Melbourne over the line, even as Tom Rogers (23 from 17) had a late flurry.

“This win is important for us,” player-of-the-match Warner shared afterwards.

“We now go away (to Brisbane and Perth).

“Gives us great momentum going into those games.

“We will try and rest up tomorrow, have a good New Year’s Eve and then get going again.

“I have been hitting them well in the nets.

“Got a couple of starts, but wanted to make a statement.

“Was able to put pressure back on the bowlers.

“I knew it was going to be hard for the next couple of batters.”

Warner also praised teammate Wes Agar for his efforts with the ball, as the pacer took 4/32 to gut the Renegades’ lineup.

“He is phenomenal,” Warner said.

“His execution and plan is clear.

“Hard to keep him on the bench, but his impact coming in is phenomenal and he is going to be a big part for us this year.”

Next up, the Thunder play the Perth Scorchers in Perth on Friday, January 3.

Big Bash bookies are yet to release the cricket betting odds for the match, which will hinge on how the Scorchers perform against the Adelaide Strikers on Tuesday, December 31.

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