Cricket: Sixers, Scorchers win Big Bash encounters

Mitchell Starc led the Sydney Sixers to a 17-run win in a rain-affected Big Bash game against Sydney Thunder. Sixers batted first to post 117 for seven in 16 overs before restricting Thunder to 29 for four in 5.3 overs.

Starc destroyed Thunder’s top-order, narrowly missing out on a hat-trick on his way to three for 17. Brett Lee was also in his element, claiming the vital wicket of Chris Gayle for a duck.

Elsewhere, Perth Scorchers outplayed Adelaide Strikers by 42 runs courtesy Herschelle Gibbs (65) and Marcus North’s (70) 102-run opening-wicket partnership, which helped the hosts post 184 for five. Strikers were bowled out for 142 in reply.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 9^th, 2012.