Defending champs sign off with a win
David Warner cracked a sizzling fifty as the NSW Blues raced away to an eight wicket win against the Southern Redbacks in just 8.4 overs.
The Redbacks’ collapsed to a mere 81 in 14.4 overs handing the Blues early advantage. The defending champions, left the ANZ Stadium with their heads held high, giving the crowds value for their money.
The Blues rode on Warner’s back who reached fifty in just 20-balls. He did not relent at any point, going hell for leather, hitting four sixes in one over from Shaun Tait. Warner was well supported by Phillip Hughes (25 off 27 balls) as the duo put up 78-run stand for the first wicket.
Trying to hit a slog sweep shot off a delivery from Shahid Afridi, Warner was held by Mark Cosgrove. Afridi who had a bad day with the bat, scalped his seventh KFC Big Bash wicket.
Four deliveries later, Gary Putland bowled Hughes but by then the Blues were well on their way to victory with only two runs needed.
Earlier, the Redbacks won the toss and elected to bat. Their unbeaten batting line-up decimated as they were no match for the Blues bowling attack.
Only four of the Redbacks’ batsmen reached double figure with the rest none scoring above eight.
Playing for pride, the Blues scythed through the Redbacks' batting line-up.
Video: Match Highlights
Grant Lambert provided first breakthrough, sending back Daniel Harris for 11 after the batsman mistimed the delivery and handed a simple catch to Hughes at mid wicket.
Lambert retuned to remove Tom Cooper (11) and dangerous Shahid Afridi for four.
The right arm fast bowler finished the day with three for 20 runs in his three overs.
Overseas import Kieron Pollard was sent back for 13 by Steven Smith as the Blues kept striking at regular intervals.
Mark Cosgrove, who has been in good form this season, was unfortunate to be run out by Mitchell Starc for seven.
Steven and Daniel Simth picked up two wickets apiece.
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