Khawaja overshadows Pietersen as Thunder lift maiden BBL trophy

Sydney Thunder won their maiden Big Bash League (BBL) title on Sunday (January 24) when they beat Melbourne Stars by three wickets in a thrilling finish at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Familiar victory scenes played out as Thunder players barged on to the field soon after Ben Rohrer struck a massive six down the ground to take them past the 177-run target.

Michael Hussey, Thunder's skipper, was playing his final BBL match and probably his last competitive game of cricket on Australian soil. Regarded as 'Mr Cricket' for valid reasons, he was up against his own brother David, who was leading the opposition. The toss went in favour of the former, and he decided to field in the final.

Shane Watson struck early when he got Marcus Stoinis (5) to hole out to the fielder at mid-off. But that started the show of the grand showman - Kevin Pietersen - who carried forward his form from the semi-final.

Classy drives, big hoicks and improvisation helped him entertain the home crowd and race away to a 39-ball 74, proving yet again that England are playing their cricket in another part of the world without their best batsman. His innings helped the Stars, playing in their maiden BBL final, reach a competitive total of 176 for 9.

After putting on a couple of handy stands - with Luke Wright (23) and David Hussey (21) - Pietersen got out softly, giving an easy return catch to Chris Green. Andre Russell and Clint McKay did well to restrict the lower order from scoring big in the death.

Thunder began well, with the veteran Jacques Kallis (28) and in-form Usman Khawaja (70) putting on an 86-run stand off 55 balls for the first wicket. Kallis looked scratchy, but with his partner sailing smoothly, all that he needed to do was not waste too many deliveries.

David, the Stars skipper, used as many as seven bowlers in his bid to get wickets. He even employed himself and Stoinis, who finished as their best bowler of the day, to get the breakthroughs. The move worked as David dismissed the dangerous Khawaja, while Stoinis bagged three.

Watson, who was drafted in Australia's T20 side, failed with the bat and was dismissed for 6. His wicket brought Michael Hussey (18) to the crease and the veteran left-hander was given a guard of honour from the Thunder players and a standing ovation by the MCG crowd. His innings didn't last long as he got out trying to play a slog-pull over mid-wicket, a shot he has so successfully executed all through his career. On Sunday, however, it resulted in his downfall and a bit of damage to the stumps.

Stars struck back from thereon. Even as the required run-rate was in control for the visitors, wickets kept tumbling, at a pace faster than they would've liked. Eventually, Rohrer held his nerve and took them over the line.

Sydney Thunder's men's team, like their women's counterpart, lifted the BBL 2015-16 trophy. David Hussey, as a tribute to his brother's achievements, said at the post-match presentation, "You are an icon of the game and a true reflection of how a player should play."

Brief scores: Melbourne Stars 176/9 in 20 Overs (Kevin Pietersen 74, Luke Wright 23; Shane Watson 2-17, Chris Green 2-37) lost to Sydney Thunder 181/7 in 19.3 Overs (Usman Khawaja 70, Jacques Kallis 28; Marcus Stoinis 3-30, Adam Zampa 2-32) by 3 wickets.