Sydney Sixers Defeat Sydney Thunder by Five Wickets; Konstas Registers Duck

Australia’s recently appointed Test opener, Sam Konstas, was dismissed for a three-ball duck during the Sydney Thunder’s five-wicket loss to the Sydney Sixers in a Big Bash League encounter. Konstas, 19, had been named to Australia’s squad for the final two Tests against India on Friday, a mere three days after he became the youngest player to score a half-century in the Big Bash competition. He was bowled by West Indies’ Akeal Hosein. Despite Konstas’s early exit, the Thunder managed to post a total of 163-5, with Cameron Bancroft contributing an unbeaten 70 runs from 52 deliveries. In their chase, James Vince and Josh Philippe provided a strong start for the Sixers. However, a series of regular wickets falling meant they required 15 runs from the ultimate over. The target was reduced to seven runs from the last two balls. Ben Dwarshuis then struck a six off the penultimate delivery, followed by a single off the final ball to secure the win. The Sydney Sixers, who are three-time champions, have now ascended to the top of the table, having won both of their initial two games.