Shadab Khan Stars in Thunder Victory 2026
On Monday, Sydney Thunder began their Big Bash League (BBL) 15 in Sydney with an impressive 34 run victory over Brisbane Heat at the Manuka Oval, courtesy of a fantastic effort by leg-spinner Shadab Khan.
As first batters, Thunder established a competitive challenge, 193-4 in 20 overs, with openers Sam Konstas and Matthew Gilkes providing the basis with a century-stand. Konstas scored 63 out of 45 delivery balls, 8 of this being boundaries, but Gilkes scored a fluency 76 out of 48 delivery balls and hit four fours, as well as three sixes.
The late impetus was given by wicketkeeper-batter Sam Billings who continued furiously with 25 off only 11 balls, including two fours and two sixes. Captain David Warner weakened against seven, and Thunder made a very powerful commencement, promising to give a strong score.
In reaction Brisbane Heat failed to pursue the objective, and finished with 159-6. None of the Heat batters could have demonstrated half a century as Shadab Khan did to their first order. The all-purpose Pakistani player won four crucial wickets (Colin Munro 18, Jack Wildermuth 14 and Matt Renshaw 43) who attempted to stabilize the innings. There were other contributors such as Hugh Weibgen (30), and Max Bryant (25), although they were not as intense as the Thunder.
The exceptional numbers of 4/24 of Shadab in four overs backed up by the two wickets of Daniel Sams turned out to be the winning point of Thunder in BBL 15. Shaheen Afridi did 1/35 to Brisbane, and three wickets were split between Jack Wildermuth and Matthew Kuhnemann.
The victory is a morale boost to Sydney Thunder who had lost previous games. The match winning performance by Shadab Khan shows how spin on a global level can work with T20 format and forms a good base to the Thunder as they strive to ascend BBL 15 table.
The post Shadab Khan Stars in Thunder Victory 2026 appeared first on Ten Sports TV.
