Watson stars as Thunder claim win

SHANE Watson turned 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.

The Thunder chose to omit Jono Cook – who was coming off a 3-27 against the Brisbane Heat – because of team balance after the departure of Englishmen Jos Buttler and Joe Root, however, they bowled out the Strikers in 17.4 overs.

Thunder newcomer Chris Jordan dismissed Travis Head for 10 with 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 he 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 home side looked headed for a big score at 2-119 after nine overs but the Strikers applied the brakes.

The Thunder at one point lost three wickets for seven runs.