Watson leads Thunder to victory

CRICKET: Shane Watson (pictured) wound back the clock to lead the Sydney Thunder to an important Big Bash League win over reigning champions Adelaide Strikers.

The former Test opener smashed 68 off 40 balls in a captain’s knock before the Thunder claimed a 71-run victory to join the Strikers on eight competition points.

The home side’s innings at one point flagged badly before they reached 6-168 on a difficult Spotless Stadium pitch.

They then put in their best performance of the season to bowl out the Strikers for 97.

Thunder newcomer Chris Jordan dismissed Travis Head for 10 with just his second ball to have the Strikers in trouble at 3-26 and they never recovered.

Colin Ingram (48) was the only Adelaide batsman to pass 11 and when was caught off Arjun Nair (3-12), the Strikers collapsed, losing their last six wickets for 22 runs.

Earlier, Watson and Jason Sangha had rebuilt the Thunders’ innings with a 77-run partnership after Rashid Khan claimed New Zealand allrounder Anton Devcich (21) and Callum Ferguson (0) with consecutive balls.

The Stars host the Hurricanes at the MCG tonight.

Photo: DAVID NEILSON/AAP