Ben Dunk and Ben Laughlin star as Hobart Hurricanes belt hapless Sydney Thunder
BRETT STUBBS
NEWS LIMITED NETWORK
JANUARY 11, 2014 4:51PM
BEN Dunk produced a Hurricanes record as Hobart got its season back on track, inflicting the Sydney Thunder to even more woe.
Horrible in the field for the first 15 overs with the ball, the Thunder lost its big gun in the third over of the day when captain Mike Hussey charged Ben Hilfenhaus first ball and was easily caught at midwicket.
The Thunder remain the one dull spot in the shining light of the Big Bash, pushing its losing streak out to an embarrassing 19.
Chasing 168 to win at 8.4 an over, the Thunder was humbled for 94, with the Hurricanes Ben Laughlin (3-8 off three), Cameron Boyce (3-25 off 3.4) and Shoaib Malik (2-19 off four).
While Dunk spanked 96 from 54 balls, the highest individual score by a batsman in purple, again Sydney had some horrific moments that cost it any chance of recording its first win in more than two series.
Ben Laughlin celebrates the wicket of Usman Khawaja. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Jason Floros grassed an absolute sitter off Dunk on 68 and its bowlers were smashed to all parts inside and outside Blundstone Arena in the first 15 overs.
To cap off another wretched day, there was a comical run out that saw Floros and Kurtis Patterson stranded mid-pitch looking at each as the stumps were broken.
However, to the men in lime green's credit, they reined the Hurricanes in, denying the home side an additional 15 to 20 runs with late wickets, starting with the fall of Dunk and restricting Hobart to just one boundary in the last 28 balls.
Hobart import Owais Shah struggled with the tempo again, making just three off seven balls in the last three overs of the match.
Man of the match Dunk now has the fastest 50 in Big Bash history (50 off 20 against the Heat), and yesterday added the highest Big Bash score this season and the highest ever individual Hurricanes score.
The left-handed opener slammed eight fours and five sixes, including one sweep slog out of the ground and down adjacent Church St.
He went to bring up the first ever Hurricanes century in style, pulling a Gurinder Sandhu slower ball bouncer but could only find deep midwicket.
With the win Hobart jumped provisionally back into the top four.
Matthew Wade tries to hit a boundary against Brisbane Heat. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
CRICKET legend Adam Gilchrist called for a batting super-sub rule to be introduced in Twenty20 cricket, on a night where Brisbane Heat batsman Chris Sabburg could probably have been overtaken by a snail.
Sabburg could hardly hit the ball off the square and couldn't strike one boundary in his painfully slow 16 off 28 balls in the Heat's loss to Big Bash heavyweights the Melbourne Stars at the Gabba.
It was excruciating stuff from Sabburg, who has made his name as a specialist fieldsman, and made worse by the fact that huge-hitter Ben Cutting was prancing the boundary waiting to get in.
It was perhaps understandable the Heat sent Sabburg in ahead of Cutting when they plunged to 5-53 in the 10th over, not wanting to expose Cutting to Lasith Malinga's raw pace with so much of the innings to go.
James Hopes was the Heat’s most damaging bowler. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images) Source:Getty Images
But after Sabburg finally departed after a partnership with the terrific-hitting Dan Christian (68 not out off 48 balls), there were only 11 deliveries remaining in the Heat innings.
It was the latest time the Heat have stuffed things up this season and Gilchrist, in commentary, said it would have been better had Sabburg been retired and Cutting called in.
''This is the perfect format to experiment, the shortest version of the game is a great environment to tinker with things,'' Gilchrist said.
''Players may feel it is damaging to their ego but they (the Heat) would have had power to play the sub card and get Cutting in there.''
The Heat might have got a record Big Bash crowd at the Gabba (32,696) last night but few fans went home happy at a loss which has almost put the title holders out of contention this season.
Dan Christian acknowledges his half century against Melbourne Stars. Picture: Peter Wallis Source:News Limited
The Heat need to win both their remaining games, away from home, and hope other results go their way to make the finals. Meanwhile, the unbeaten Stars have booked a home semi-final.
Brisbane made 7-144 last night and that was probably never going to be enough although the Stars made hard work of it and only got there with two balls to spare.
Skipper James Hopes (3-23 off four overs) got things going with the ball for the Heat by taking two wickets in three balls, having Luke Wright (37) and Brad Hodge (1) caught behind by Craig Kieswetter.
The Heat looked some chance until a late Alister McDermott over was punished for 15 by former Test batsman Rob Quiney (22 off 14 balls).
John Hastings whacked a six off teenage paceman Mark Steketee to ice the game for the Stars.
Nothing seemed to be going right for the Heat with McDermott at one stage going down like he had been hit by a grenade when struck in the head by a friendly fire throw in the field from teammate Luke Pomersbach.
Earlier, the Heat innings got off to a dreadful start with Pomersbach (1) given out lbw to a dubious decision off the bowling of spinner David Hussey.
Things got worse for the Heat when Kieswetter (13) was out pulling, and in-form Chris Lynn (10) hit one down the throat of Hodge in the deep.
The Stars' super slinger Malinga was held back until the 10th over but made an immediate impact when he bowled a magnificent outswinger to Hopes who missed it and had his stumps knocked over.
Perth Scorchers coach Justin Langer wants to talk in-form Simon Katich out of retirement
BRADEN QUARTERMAINE
PERTHNOW
JANUARY 12, 2014 3:00AM
Simon Katich has been in outstanding form through the first portion of the Big Bash. Picture: Brett Hemmings/Getty Images Source: Getty Images
PERTH Scorchers will try to talk captain Simon Katich into returning next season as a 39-year-old, with the veteran's remarkable form propelling the WA outfit to within sight of the finals for the third straight year.
Katich was the game's top-scorer with 71 off 56 balls in the thrilling Super Over win over the Sydney Sixers at the SCG on Friday night, leading the recovery mission after the Scorchers had slumped to 2-0 in the first over.
With the Big Bash League's leading runscorer Aaron Finch called up to the national one-day squad, Katich is well -placed to finish the tournament as the premier batsman, having already compiled 243 runs (avg 40.50) at a strike rate of 135.75.
The former Test opener has accepted a full-time job with AFL club Greater Western Sydney and had planned for this summer to be his last in the BBL.
Katich would require extended leave from his position with the Giants to play for the Scorchers next summer, but coach Justin Langer said it was something he would pursue.
"We'll certainly be looking to talk Simon Katich into playing at least another year,'' Langer said.
"I'd have him in my team any day of the week and the longer we can have him the better. Any West Australian team that's got Simon Katich in it is a better team.
"It's no surprise that with him in the Scorchers, we're doing well.
"He's tough and just the sort of leader you want to have around the place.
"He's playing with a broken finger and has done for the whole tournament. He's a great example to everyone because of the way he lives his life.''
The Scorchers triumphed in a Super Over to decide the tied game after the Sixers finished on 9-153 in response to Perth's 5-153.
Fast bowler Pat Cummins, on the comeback trail from stress fractures in his back, again played grade cricket for Perth yesterday and might be cleared to make his Scorchers debut on Thursday against the Adelaide Strikers at the WACA Ground.
Should Cummins pull up well from yesterday's hit-out, Cricket Australia is expected to clear him to make his BBL return this week.
However Langer said there was no guarantee the 20-year-old would be able to break into Perth's strong bowling line-up even if he was available.
Brisbane Heat coach Stuart Law dishes out harsh reality check to players
ROBERT CRADDOCK
THE COURIER-MAIL
JANUARY 13, 2014 12:00AM
STUART Law wanted the Gabba to become a fortress. Instead it remains a torture chamber for the battling Brisbane Heat.
Despite the urgings of a record crowd, the Heat fell to their sixth loss from their past eight home matches spanning two summers on Saturday night to leave their hopes of defending the Big Bash title on the brink of extinction.
Modest batting gave the Heat a below par total of 7-144 which the Stars ran down in the last over.
The Heat, with just two wins from six games, finish the fixture rounds with away games against Adelaide on Saturday and the Hurricanes in Hobart five days later.
There is a chance that winning both games would allow them to sneak into the finals but that is far from certain.
"Our hopes of making the semis are pretty slim," Heat coach Law said.
"We are relying on other results and that is a horrible place to be. You never like to rely on other people to get you there.
"I wanted the Gabba to be a fortress but it has not turned out that way. We have played pretty timid cricket and have not executed well enough.
"There has been some mental blockages and we have probably got too funky at times and forgotten about the basics. That can happen when you get under pressure.
"Everyone has to look at themselves in the mirror.
"We are making the same mistakes over and over.
"We are going to have to sit down and discuss our options.
"I keep hearing that Ben Cutting should bat higher but if the top six are doing their jobs it would not be up to him.''
Test star Ryan Harris and experienced spin duo Dan Vettori and Nathan Hauritz are likely to be fit from injury for Saturday's match, and the Heat will hope their arrivals are not too late to make a difference.
Harris will have a medical on Wednesday and Cricket Australia will have the final say on whether he is available after battling a knee injury for most of the summer.
Hobart Hurricanes' Doug Bollinger reprimanded for using offensive language during BBL match
FOX SPORTS
JANUARY 12, 2014 3:40PM
VETERAN bowler Doug Bollinger has earned his second official reprimand of the summer after being caught using offensive language during a Big Bash League game.
The fiery left-armer was reported by the umpires for breaching Article 2.1.4 - Using language that is obscene, offensive or insulting during Hobart Hurricanes' win over Sydney Thunder on Saturday.
Bollinger accepted the punishment and will not be fined or suspended, even thought it was just a few months ago that he was handed a one-game ban in the Ryobi Cup for on-field misbehaviour.
On that occasion, the 32-year-old was punished by Cricket Australia for throwing the ball in anger back at Queensland batsman Jimmy Peirson during a one-day match.
Adelaide Strikers opener Michael Klinger to miss match against Perth with injury
TOM BIDDINGTON
THE ADVERTISER
JANUARY 13, 2014 10:00PM
ALREADY under pressure, the Adelaide Strikers' batting depth will be tested even further with Michael Klinger set to miss Thursday's crucial BBL clash against the Perth Scorchers at the WACA.
Scans yesterday revealed the star opener suffered a minor hamstring strain in last week's loss to the Melbourne Stars, the Strikers conceding it is "unlikely" he will be able to get up for the next contest.
The team is hopeful that Klinger will recover in time the next home game against the Brisbane Heat on Saturday.
Klinger has been the form batsman for the Strikers this tournament, currently the fifth-highest run-scorer in the competition with 205 runs at an average of 68.33.
That is 96 runs clear of the next best Adelaide player - English opener Alex Hales, who has 109 runs at 21.8.
Strikers coach Darren Berry knows the loss of Klinger will hurt his side.
"Maxy Klinger has consistently been our shining light with the bat so far in BBL03 and no doubt we will miss his run making ability at the top of the order," Berry said.
"While we are obviously disappointed for Maxy, this is a great opportunity for another batsman to step up and stake their claim in the team."
After two poor performances with the bat, the Strikers need their top order to fire to stop them suffering a third-straight defeat and remain in the hunt the semi-finals.
Crafty batsman Callum Ferguson, who was left out of the team that played the Stars, is in line for a recall, while Canberra's Jono Dean is another possible replacement.
Captain Johan Botha will train with the squad this morning in a bid to prove his fitness for the game against the Scorchers after breaking his thumb on New Year's Eve.
If Botha is right, it means his injury replacement, Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, will miss out with only two internationals allowed to play for each team under the BBL rules.
Young paceman Pat Cummins to make long-awaited return from injury in Perth Scorchers game
RICHARD EARLE
NEWS LIMITED NETWORK
JANUARY 14, 2014 1:45PM
PAT Cummins will make his long awaited Big Bash League debut for Perth Scorchers and return from injury against Adelaide Strikers on Thursday at the WACA Ground.
Cummins, 20, was signed by the Scorchers in 2012 but has been sabotaged by back stress fractures since - last breaking down on tour with Australia A in Zimbabwe during August.
However the one-Test speedster is set to face the Strikers at the Furnace and prove a timely replacement for Australian one-day paceman Nathan Coulter-Nile.
Cummins has been passed by cautious Cricket Australia medicos who had held back the paceman from BBL duty to the frustration of Perth.
Ryan Duffield will subsequently be removed from the Scorchers' 18-player squad.Cummins is focusing on the short form in a bid to ease successfully back to elite cricket - targeting a spot in Australia's World T20 Cup squad for Bangladesh in April.
Back and foot ailments have plagued Cummins since delivering a man of the match Test debut against South Africa in Johannesburg during November 2011.
Back injuries have sidelined the boom trio of left-armer Mitchell Starc, James Pattinson and Cummins this summer.
Strikers skipper Johan Botha must also prove he has overcome a broken thumb to face the Scorchers.
Sydney Thunder closing in on world's worst T20 record, held by Quetta Bears
CARLY ADNO
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
JANUARY 13, 2014 10:00PM
SYDNEY Thunder, meet the Quetta Bears.
Haven't heard of them? Well, maybe it's time you two got better acquainted.
The Pakistan-based team represent the holy grail of Twenty20 incompetence, having lost 28 matches in a row in a streak that began in April 2005.
That first loss set the tone for the Bears, with fearsome Rawalpindi Rams fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar taking 5-23.
The Bears almost ended their streak in December, 2012, against the Abbottabad Falcons, but, true to form went down in a one-over eliminator after the match ended in a tie.
The Thunder still have some catching up to do, but their loss to Hobart on Saturday pushed them ahead of Zimbabwe and Jammu & Kashmir into outright second place.
Tonight they travel to Melbourne to take on a Renegades side that welcomes back paceman James Pattinson and opener Aaron Finch, who smashed a ton for Australia in the one-day international on Sunday.
The little-known Bears boast few big names, outside Imran Khan, who unfortunately is no relation to the Pakistan great.
The Thunder, meanwhile, have had the likes of Chris Gayle, David Warner, Michael Clarke, Usman Khawaja, Eoin Morgan, Michael Hussey wear the electric green.
In a sport where luck often plays a huge part, it's an impressively inept feat to fall short so many times in a row.
But as Quetta proved, it's possible to keep on losing… and losing... and losing.
Plagued by poor administration, a lack of resources and inadequate training facilities in the first two seasons, Cricket NSW began pouring far more attention into the struggling western Sydney franchise before the start of their current Big Bash League campaign.
Their former coach Shane Duff was replaced by Chandika Hathurusinghe, who used his Sri Lankan connections to recruit two of the country's biggest names in Tillakaratne Dilshan and Ajantha Mendis.
The addition of Hussey was another major step in the right direction, but injuries to Khawaja and Dilshan and the loss of Morgan to England's limited-overs squad have hurt the already hurting Thunder.
"It's a shame that we don't have something to show for the progress, because we feel we've made tremendous progress," Thunder general manager Nick Cummins said.
"But at the end of the day you get judged by wins and losses, so the 'W' and 'L' columns suggest we've made no progress at all, when we know that's not the case.'
The Thunder will face Sri Lankan spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan at Etihad Stadium and while the 41-year-old does feel for his struggling opponents, the Renegades have a semi-final spot to play for.
"If we start winning then we can go further in the tournament," Muralitharan said.
"We have a chance so it's up to us to grab it. We're going to play our best cricket on the day because we need the win badly, unlike them, because we can qualify.
"It's hard for them. It's a disappointment for them not winning a game for 19 games."
Sydney Thunder snap 19-game BBL losing streak by thumping Melbourne Renegades
MARK HAYES
HERALD SUN
JANUARY 14, 2014 10:37PM
Thunder captain Mike Hussey celebrates taking a catch to dismiss Dan Harris of the Renegades.Source: Getty Images
THREE Prime Ministers and three Christmases later, the streak is over.
Sydney Thunder ended 753 days - and 19 matches - of Big Bash League futility with a shock win that also put in grave peril the Melbourne Renegades' finals chances.
Last year's minor premiers must now win both remaining matches - home to the Sixers and away to the Strikers - to have any chance of making the finals.
And the absolute hiding the hosts' run rate took as the Thunder ran down their miserable all out 104 total within 11.3 overs didn't help that task.
Usman Khawaja (46 not out off 34 balls) and Tillakaratne Dilshan (46 off 29) made light work of the chase with an opening stand of 89 in 9.3 overs.
Not only did their stylish strokeplay bely the Thunder's recent batting woes, it defined the intent that was obvious throughout the match.
It was fitting that skipper Mike Hussey (9 not out) - for much of the season the lone hand for the Thunder - hit the winning run in the nine-wicket mauling.
Usman Khawaja hits out for the Thunder at Etihad Stadium. Source: Getty Images
The Thunder had not won since the second match of the inaugural BBL on December 23, 2011 - and precious few gave them a chance with Australian one-day stars Aaron Finch and James Pattinson released to play for the Renegades.
Air was already thin when play started with the scoreboard showing 47C, but it thinned further when Gurinder Sandhu rattled hometown hero Finch's furniture second ball and the crowd collectively gasped.
The competition's leading run-scorer, so dominant at Etihad Stadium and fresh off an ODI century for Australia on Sunday night, trudged off with a rare duck to leave the 10,896 crowd strangely subdued.
And things didn't really improve.
They were hushed further two overs later when Sandhu nabbed a second scalp when Chris Tremain took a top catch at full stretch at mid-on to remove Alex Doolan for eight.
It wasn't until the third ball of the fourth over that regular Renegades saviour Ben Rohrer cut Andrew Pye to the point fence that the home team had its first boundary at a venue that normally requires nightly panel beating to the hoardings.
Thunder Tillakaratne Dilshan smashes a six against the Renegades. Source: Getty Images
But after Rohrer and opener Dan Harris - playing his first game for the year after breaking a hand in mid-December - shared a 50-run stand and looked to be in control, the flow of wickets began unabated.
Harris (30) was given out to a Tremain slower ball that climbed steeply and appeared to balloon off his elbow to cover.
But he was the only real stumbling block as Sandhu (3-21), Ajantha Mendis (2-21) and Andrew Tye (1-20) prevented any momentum with regular wickets.
And Hussey kept up the pressure with some aggressive field placements that were finally reinforced by the green team's dedication to the task.
And the hugs all round on the bench after the winning run showed exactly the relief that they'll be no longer burdened by talk of the streak.
It's crunch time for Adelaide Strikers and me, says fast bowler Kane Richardson
RICHARD EARLE
THE ADVERTISER
JANUARY 14, 2014 11:50PM
KANE Richardson says it's "crunch time" for Adelaide Strikers and his Twenty20 World Cup hopes on Thursday against Perth Scorchers at the WACA.
The Strikers are reeling after heavy defeats against Sydney Sixers and Melbourne Stars.Johan Botha's men need to win two of their final three games against Perth, Brisbane Heat and Melbourne Renegades to snare an inaugural Big Bash League finals appearance. "We need to win two or all of them, no complaints. We have to get the job done, no excuses," said Richardson.
"The Stars game was an absolute train wreck. We have Perth, need to get past them then worry about the Heat and Renegades."
Adelaide's form dip has coincided with the two-match absence of skipper Botha who will front with a thumb broken in the New Year's Eve win against the Scorchers.
"He is one of the guys who has to lose a leg not to play. He has been a massive loss the last two games with his leadership, bowling and batting so fingers crossed he pulls through," said Richardson of Botha.
"We need him."
Botha is one of four changes to the side that lost by eight wickets at the MCG last Thursday.
Travis Head replaces leading run-scorer and opener Michael Klinger who strained a hamstring against the Stars.
Classy Bangladesh recruit Shakib Al Hasan makes way for fellow international Botha while Jono Dean and allrounder Trent Lawford were also added.
Former Australian one-day batsman Callum Ferguson remains on the outer.It's a year since Richardson made his one-day debut for Australia against Sri Lanka at Adelaide Oval.
The speedster is set on reminding national selectors of the allround ability that caught their eye ahead of the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh during April.
"The time has gone fairly quick but I have probably fallen down the pecking order a bit. That is what this competition is perfect for, get your name back up there," said Richardson.
"With the World Cup coming up and so much cricket around that is the No. 1 goal. There's three games to show what you can do."
Richardson attracted a $700,000 price tag from Indian Premier League side Pune Warriors last year.
However, the franchise's IPL expulsion meant Richardson had to nominate again for the 2014 auction by Monday's deadline.
"One good performance and you are right back in their thoughts. Hopefully the next three games I can contribute to some wins and that will take care of itself as well," said Richardson.
One-Test paceman Pat Cummins will make his return from back stress fractures and debut for the Scorchers tomorrow at the WACA.
There will be no place to hide against an attack also featuring gun Pakistan paceman Yasir Arafat and evergreen wrist spinner Brad Hogg.
"Their bowling attack is world class so we have to pull out better than the other day because that won't cut it either," said Richardson.
Steve Smith stars as Sydney Sixers down Hobart Hurricanes in Big Bash League clash at the SCG
CARLY ADNO
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
JANUARY 15, 2014 11:11PM
Steve Smith hits out for the Sixers against the Hurricanes at the SCG. Picture: Mark Evans Source:News Limited
STEVE Smith's perfectly paced innings set up a crucial seven-run win for the Sydney Sixers over the Hobart Hurricanes at the SCG.
Smith hit 52 off 32 balls as the Sixers just managed to defend their total of 6/179 in a tight battle.
A fast start from Michael Lumb and Nic Maddinson saw the men in magenta race to 50 inside six overs, but both openers found themselves back in the sheds by then too
.Lumb, returning from a finger injury, looked particularly dangerous.
He hit two fours and two sixes before he skied one to Ben Dunk at cover.
His departure saw the runs dry up, but a quick-fire 31 off 21 balls from Moises Henriques accelerated the home team's innings.
Moises Henriques hit a quick-fire 31 for the Sydney Sixers. Source: Getty Images
He hit Cameron Boyce all over the park, but it was Boyce who played a part in his departure when he took a good catch off Ben Hilfenhaus after Henriques got a leading edge
.That left Smith to play a captain's knock and he was well supported at the other end by Jordan Silk (32).
The two brought up their 50 partnership off just 36 balls and set the Sixers on their way to a big total.Smith took his time to settle, his priority to try and bat through to the end of the innings.
But his measured approach couldn't have been timed any better, bringing up his half-century with a six off Ben Laughlin.
Smith attempted one big shot too many when he was caught on the boundary by Evan Gulbis off Doug Bollinger's bowling in the last over.
Steve Smith takes on a Ben Hilfenhaus delivery at the SCG. Picture: Mark Evans Source: News Limited
In reply, Tim Paine and Ben Dunk made light work of the difficult chase by galloping to 50 inside five overs.
Paine did all the damage up front as he dispatched Brett Lee and Stephen O'Keefe to all corners.
It took just 26 balls for the Hurricanes skipper to reach his half century as he and the dangerous Dunk added 98 runs for the first wicket
.The two openers were eventually undone by Nathan Lyon's spin, both out stumped by some smart glove-work from Dan Smith.
After such a promising start the rest of the Hurricanes' line-up failed to continue the good work.
Tim Paine got the Hurricanes innings off to a flyer. Picture: Mark Evans Source: News Limited
Wickets fell cheaply, with the exception of Travis Birt whose knock of 33 nearly got them over the line before Steve Smith held a difficult catch to see off the threat.
The match went down to the last over, but Lee's experience, coupled with another great catch by Smith on the boundary, saw the Sixers home.
Craig Simmons smashes fastest Big Bash League century to help Perth Scorchers beat Adelaide Strikers
BRADEN QUARTERMAINE
PERTHNOW
JANUARY 16, 2014 11:30PM
OPENER Craig Simmons smashed the fastest century in Big Bash League history to help seal Perth Scorchers' place in this season's finals series with yet another thrilling win.
Simmons brought up his ton, the first hundred of this summer's tournament, off just 39 balls as Perth defeated Adelaide Strikers by five runs at the WACA Ground on Thursday night.
The Strikers were restricted to 6-198 after Perth had posted a formidable 7-203, with Adelaide falling short despite Phil Hughes' return to form with 58 (off 45 balls) and some late hitting from Nathan Reardon (30 off 19).
The Scorchers' fourth consecutive win ensured a semi-final spot and Perth could host a final for the third consecutive season.
Strikers openers Hughes and Alex Hales got off to a bright start, with Adelaide racing to 0-60 off the first six overs before Yasir Arafat bowled Hales with a terrific yorker for 31.
Adelaide was up against it when Hughes was caught by crowd favourite Brad Hogg.Returning Adelaide skipper Johan Botha hit Hogg for six down the ground to leave the visitors needing 36 off 17 balls, before Hogg bowled the South African with his next delivery.
The Strikers needed 17 off the last over to win and a six off the last ball, with Yasir Arafat bowling a dot ball to Tim Ludeman.Fast bowler Pat Cummins took 1-40 off four overs for the Scorchers in his return from injury.
Simmons cracked eight fours and eight sixes on the way to his hundred, easily eclipsing the previous record of 44 balls set by Melbourne Stars blaster Luke Wright in 2012.
Simmons was caught in the 12th over for 102 (41 balls), with his breathtaking knock including eight sixes and eight fours.
The 31-year-old, who was well supported by wicketkeeper Sam Whiteman, brought up his 50 from 24 balls as the Scorchers rattled along at more than 10 runs an over.
Craig Simmons hits out for the Scorchers. Source: Getty Images
Simmons heaved Michael Neser on to the roof of the players' pavilion and brought up his century by hitting left-arm spinner Jon Holland down the ground for his eighth six.
Simmons paid tribute to coach Justin Langer.
"I wasn't really sure if I was going to play this game. So credit to the Scorchers for sticking with me. JL has been very good for me,'' he said.
Langer said Simmons' confidence in himself convinced him to keep selecting him.
"He kept telling me he just needed a few runs under his belt and then he would be right,'' Langer said."It's great to give a guy an opportunity.''
Craig Simmons launches another big hit for the Perth Scorchers. Source: Getty Images
Simmons' dismissal triggered a dramatic Perth collapse, but the Scorchers reached the 200 mark in the last over thanks to some late hitting from Ashton Turner and Jason Behrendorff.
Wild Thing Shaun Tait got carried away with the bounce in the deck in his first over, bowling three wides including one which sailed miles over Whiteman's head.
Tait was hammered for 17 off his first over as the Scorchers raced to 1/59 after six overs despite the early loss of in-form opener Simon Katich, who was dismissed in the second over for nine.
Tait's poor fielding was also exposed at short fine leg, although he was brought back into the attack in the 16th over and finished with 3-41 off four overs.
Sydney Sixers seal Big Bash League semi-finals berth with close win over Melbourne Renegades at Etihad Stadium
MARK HAYES
HERALD SUN
JANUARY 18, 2014 11:15PM
Moises Henriques celebrates the run out of Dan Harris with his Sixers teammates. Source: Getty Images
THE Melbourne Renegades' season is finished.
Last year's minor premiers appeared to have the Sydney Sixers' 6-151 in control for much of a tense run chase at Etihad Stadium.
But the Gades lost crucial late wickets to fall two runs short despite a last-ball six by acting captain Ben Rohrer.
The win sealed the Sixers' finals berth alongside the Melbourne Stars and Perth Scorchers, leaving Brisbane, Hobart and Adelaide to fight over fourth position.
Dwayne Bravo looked set to be the hero for the Renegades in his first game, but fell to a great catch by Nathan Lyon in the 19th over to hamstring the hosts.
The West Indian short-form captain, a scrambled recruit for the Gades' final two preliminary games, carved 38 off 30 to give hope to his new club that could not afford to lose.
Dwayne Bravo looked set to be the Renegades’ matchwinner. Source: News Limited
But as Rohrer was left with lesser hitters, the chase - and along with it the club's hopes - stalled.The hero of the night was former Australian all-rounder Moises Henriques.
The big right-hander took the key wicket of Michael Hill (35) and also affected a brilliant run-out to remove his opening partner Daniel Harris (20).
But just as importantly, he made three spectacular boundary saves in the field after earlier hammering a half-century for the visitors.
Henriques impressed right from the start of his innings, cashing in on the early fielding restrictions to plunder 55 in just 39 balls, featuring one mighty six over the long straight fence.
His "traditional" off-side shots were just as effective, powering shots on either side of point.Henriques was particularly savage on Aaron O'Brien, caning the left-armer for 28 in the 13 balls he served up.
Moises Henriques scored 55 to lead the Sixers’ innings. Source: Getty Images
The three-Test player's damage was best witnessed in O'Brien's figures, the other 11 balls going for just 13 and claiming two wickets.
But when Henriques became Muthiah Muralidaran's seventh wicket for the Big Bash, the heat came completely out of the Sixers' innings with just three fours and a six after Steve Smith (25) was out in the 13th over.
Bravo made an instant improvement to the Renegades' balance, contributing 1-23 in four variety-packed overs, including one 82km/h slower ball.
He actually bowled Jordan Silk twice, but the bails didn't dislodge the first time.
But the key damage was done by Marcus North who continued his excellent season, finishing with an unbeaten 30 off 21 balls for what turned out to be the winning runs.
Dan Vettori, Ryan Harris and co help keep Brisbane Heat's Big Bash season alive
BEN DORRIES
THE COURIER-MAIL
JANUARY 19, 2014 12:00AM
Dan Vettori was superb in helping the Heat defend a modest total. Source: Getty Images
BRISBANE Heat is the cricket team that just won't die.
History is repeating and just like last year the Heat could make the Big Bash League finals against all probability and expectation.
The men in teal have had a mediocre season yet after smashing the Adelaide Strikers away from home on Saturday the title holders are very much in contention for another finals campaign.
Helped by a string of other results falling their way in the last week, the Heat now only have to beat the Hurricanes in Hobart on Thursday night to sneak into the finals in fourth spot.
The Heat were gone if they lost in Adelaide and they could only muster 7-129 with Englishman Craig Kieswetter top-scoring with 51 off 46 balls.
But Ashes star Ryan Harris (2-14), fast bowling young gun Cameron Gannon (3-11) and Kiwi spinner Dan Vettori (2-10) were superb as the Strikers crumbled.
Adelaide were bowled out for 97 and Heat skipper James Hopes feels his side might be again peaking at the right time of the season.
He fancies the Heat's chances of beating Hobart later this week in what is effectively a finals qualifying match.
You could sense Harris's mere presence lifted the Heat on Saturday and he showed his passion for the contest when he rocked Adelaide skipper Johan Botha with a fearsome blow in the stomach.
Harris followed up by shattering Botha's stumps on the next delivery and gave him a verbal serve on the way off to rub it in.
"There are a lot of good signs for the Heat," former Australian all-rounder and IPL coach Tom Moody said.
"They are used to being in this position and they seem to love it.
"Vettori, who took the key top-order wickets of Alex Hales and Jono Dean, has been bowling with severe back pain but the veteran will not give up and says his sore body will be "rolled out" for the Heat's remaining games.
"It feels like I've got daggers in my back every time I bowl," Vettori said.
"I would like to be much freer, but I can still do a job for the team."
While the Heat's batting wasn't great on Saturday, there were some good signs with the promising debut of 19-year-old batsman Ben McDermott.
McDermott, the son of former fast bowling great Craig, made 30 off 26 balls and looked like he belonged despite having his helmet shattered by a Shaun Tait bouncer.
The Heat will wait to see how Harris recovers, but it seems nothing will keep him from travelling to the Apple Isle to boost his team's finals bid on Thursday.
Melbourne fans betrayed by Renegades' season of woe after Sydney Sixers deliver final insult
MARK HAYES
HERALD SUN
JANUARY 19, 2014 11:15PM
MOISES Henriques made three spectacular diving saves on Saturday night, each of which finished with the ball centimetres from the rope and a run saved.
At the time, the pro-Melbourne Renegades crowd groaned in almost dismayed respect.
An hour later, it became far more serious.In a two-run loss, Henriques' feats of athleticism shone like beacons in the grey mist of an ultimately failed Renegades' season.
None will appear on historical scorecards, yet they're perfectly symptomatic of the "little things" that have almost constantly worked against the men in red, effectively ending their season before this week's final round of Big Bash preliminary matches.
Here's a snapshot of what went wrong, in no particular order of importance to a team that began with high hopes and a point to prove after being minor premier last season only to play its worst game in a semi-final shocker.
The draw twice pitted the Gades against their cross-town rival Stars - something they'll have to contend with for the foreseeable future, but a huge cross to bear with the green machine a juggernaut this season.
Veteran T20 specialist Daniel 'Doc' Harris missed five games with a broken hand suffered at training in the days before the tournament began, then emerging paceman Jayde Herrick's side strain cut him down in the season opener.
All-rounders Tom Cooper and Will Sheridan were also hampered by - before eventually succumbing to - injuries that robbed the team of power-hitting options.
The team showed an alarming inability to run down targets - a tactic it employed so successfully in BBL02 - and still carries harsh mental scars from its abject failure chasing the Scorchers' 117 in Round 2 after being 0-38 after four overs.
Yet arguably the biggest issue wasn't even played out on our shores - and was totally out of the Renegades' control.
Mohammad Hafeez, the world's second-ranked Twenty20 all-rounder, looked to be an ideal addition on an Etihad pitch that customarily plays low and turns.
But when he was called into Pakistan's Test team, national duty duly took priority and coach Simon Helmot's plans dealt another critical blow.
Admittedly, the change enabled England's Jos Buttler to play another couple of games and ultimately the temporary recruitment of West Indian champ Dwayne Bravo.
But Bravo's instant impact as that hard-hitting all-rounder in his first game highlighted just how critical that missing link had been for a team playing on fumes and without superstar captain Aaron Finch.
Even minutes after the Henriques-inspired loss to the Sixers, a clearly emotional Helmot had begun to conduct his autopsy of a season lost.
"I'm devastated. (We were) not good enough - it's disappointing, so frustrating," he said.
"Clearly the Renegades haven't been up to it this season. That's why we're not going to feature in the important time.
"We've had a setback this season after making such great inroads in our second year, so we've got to look at the squad and look at the best way moving forward.
"In essence that begins in our final game, against the Strikers, but we'll be putting out our very best team to ensure we get a victory, because winning's important whether you're going to be in the playoffs or not."
Importantly, the club seen by many as the poor relation to the Stars, made massive inroads in crowd numbers - including an Etihad Stadium cricket record 42,837 for the second Melbourne derby - and has kicked corporate goals.
But Helmot is painfully aware that carries little import in relation to winning games of cricket.
"I'm just devastated ... because of all the hard work that's gone into developing this team, not just on the field but off the field.
"We've got amazing supporters, amazing staff, incredible sponsors, so for us to be two and five I say is unacceptable.
"From the coach down we've got to look at how we can improve things so we can feature again because I think the squad's good enough to do so."
Front and centre in Helmot's mind will be the need to find the right import to sit alongside the ageless Muthiah Muralidaran after the Hafeez conundrum.
"You don't plan for those mistakes to happen," Helmot said.
"We'll need to look at which players are available, sooner rather than later, to try and lock in the right international players that's going to complement the existing domestic players.
"This team has got a lot of talented individuals.
"Yeah, our depth has been tested this season, and we've probably seen that in the results when you lose Finch or Cooper, but I still think this group only needs some minor tweaking ... and we can get back to where we were."
Adelaide Strikers strike out in meek exit from BBL contention, ensuring careers are on the line
TOM BIDDINGTON
THE ADVERTISER
JANUARY 19, 2014 11:25PM
ADELAIDE Strikers captain Johan Botha says careers are on the line after the team's meek exit from Big Bash League contention.
The skipper is adamant the players are the ones who should be held accountable for the dismal run-chase against the Brisbane Heat at Adelaide Oval on Saturday afternoon.
Needing a very gettable 130 to remain in the hunt for the semi-finals, the Strikers went down without a yelp, the 32-run loss making it four straight defeats.
Botha believes the responsibility for that game, and the late-season collapse, lies with the guys out in the middle.
"It's definitely the players, we can't blame anyone else, we didn't go out there and perform," Botha said.
"If you don't perform, you don't put the runs and wickets on the board, then your spot should be under pressure for the next Big Bash.
"The easiest way in sport is to blame the coaches, I think we've got one of the best coaching groups in Australia and probably in the world. We can't blame them, it's all up to the players.
"Now it's up to (SACA cricket director) Jamie Cox and the guys in the office to decide, are they going to go forward with this group?
"I thought this year we had assembled our best squad to date. It is disappointing."
The Strikers are one of two teams, along with the Sydney Thunder, yet to make a semi-final appearance in the first three years of the BBL.
The captain admitted the worst aspect of Saturday's loss was the lack of fight in a do-or-die game.
"If we all had a crack and it didn't come off, so be it, but I think there's a few guys, even throughout the tournament, who have thought they should've done this or I could've done that," Botha said.
"If you think about that you didn't play at your best."
After going through the first three games undefeated, the Strikers were being touted as the team most likely to challenge the all-conquering Melbourne Stars.
But since that point the team has come crashing back to earth - twice dismissed for less than 100.
The batting line-up, which was initially described as the strength of the squad, was inconsistent and ended up being the Striker's biggest weakness as the likes of English import Alex Hales and Phillip Hughes failed to fire.
Wednesday night's game against the Melbourne Renegades now means nothing from a competition perspective, but Botha says there is still something to play for.
"As a team we'd still like to finish on a high and we've got some guys who want to play well and push for higher honours," he said.
"Kane Richardson has been a standout for us, he's bowled in difficult times and he's been great. Hopefully guys like that can put their hand up once more."
Jackson Bird says lighthearted approach has helped Melbourne Stars to Big Bash success
MARK HAYES
HERALD SUN
JANUARY 19, 2014 10:00PM
THE unbeaten Melbourne Stars know the pressure is building, but they're laughing it off - literally - as the Big Bash League finals loom.
Speedster Jackson Bird says the jovial nature in the Stars' changerooms is helping control expectations that have grown externally with each of the club's six consecutive wins to start the season.
But the Tasmanian paceman, confronting many of his Sheffield Shield teammates against the Hurricanes at the MCG on Tuesday night, says the Stars are a different team to the one that bowed out in semi-finals for the past two seasons.
"The last couple of years we've had a bit of added pressure from off the field. This year it's been a lot more relaxed and we're having fun," Bird said.
"Every training session we get together and have a bit of a laugh and the boys take the 'mickey' out of each other which is good and it shows with our results on the field.
"We've been playing well together as a team and setting the standard so far."It's extra added pressure being tournament favourites.
"We found in the last two years that you need to be playing your best cricket come semi-final time and the last two years we've fallen at that second-last hurdle and been knocked out twice, so the boys are pretty keen to go that extra step.
"But first thing's first, we've got two more games left in the regular season and hopefully a home final at the MCG."
Bird said the Stars would not flirt with their form to try to shape the composition of the final four.
"You've got to beat everyone if you want to win the tournament, so we're not really worried about who we come up against in the finals, just hope we play well on the day."
Bird, joint second on the BBL wicket-takers list after missing four months with back stress fractures suffered during the winter Ashes tour, is hoping to hear his name on Monday when selectors announce the Test squad to tour South Africa.
"If my name gets read out then, I'll be happy. I feel like I've done enough and been bowling pretty well, so if I get that call that will be great," he said.
"I feel like I'm bowling well, I haven't played much four-day cricket in the last six months, so I don't really know how I'm going to go with the red ball if selected to go to South Africa, but nothing much changes with my game plan.
"I feel like it's coming out nicely and I'm fit and strong and feel I've picked up a yard of pace as well.
"Fingers crossed, I can stay on the paddock for an extended period. I've worked pretty hard on my fitness for the last six months."
Melbourne Stars suffer big blow with Lasith Malinga ordered back to Sri Lanka immediately
ANTONY PINSHAW AND MARK HAYES
NEWS LIMITED NETWORK
JANUARY 21, 2014 2:22PM
BIG Bash League leaders Melbourne Stars have been dealt a massive blow with star bowler Lasith Malinga called back to Sri Lanka with immediate effect.
The Sri Lankan board has ordered several foreign-based players back home immediately, in order to prepare for a tour of Bangladesh starting on February 12, followed by the Twenty20 World Cup.
It means Malinga will miss tonight's clash with Hobart Hurricanes, in which the Stars could guarantee first place and a home semi-final, as well as their final match of the regular season against Perth Scorchers.
It's understood officials at the Stars are currently locked in negotiations with their Sri Lankan counterparts to see if the 30-year-old paceman is able to return for the Big Bash finals, which fall between the training camp and the start of the Bangladesh series.
"While we are extremely disappointed to be losing Lasith at the business end of the tournament we respect the right of all national bodies to recall their players," Stars CEO Clint Cooper said.
Cooper praised Malinga's work ethic but was far from optimistic about the club's chances of getting him back for the semi-final.
"His preparation has been nothing short of first class and we are sure that this tournament holds him in good stead for the year ahead.
"We hope to see him return in green in BBL|03 because he has become a valued member of our team, but if not, we wish him all the best for the year ahead with Sri Lanka."
Sri Lanka's chief selector, Sanath Jayasuria - one of the best short-form batsmen in the world in his hayday - spoke of his concern about Malinga's fitness.
"You have to admit that Malinga has a serious fitness issue," Jayasuriya said.
"We want him to prove himself by coming back from the Big Bash and working with our coaches and trainers and get back to his full fitness in the next few days."
Fellow Sri Lankan Ajantha Mendis, who has been plying his trade for Big Bash strugglers Sydney Thunder, will also return to his home country immediately.
Malinga's absence throws the Stars' title hopes into further disarray, with the MCG-based franchise already without key players Glenn Maxwell, James Faulkner, Clint McKay and Matthew Wade due to national duty.
Melbourne will regain McKay after the conclusion of the one-day series against England, but will have to do without veteran batsman Cameron White and young leg-spinner James Muirhead, who were called into Australia's T20 squad.
Melbourne Stars lock up top spot for Big Bash semi-finals with victory over Hobart at MCG
MARK HAYES
FOX SPORTS
JANUARY 22, 2014 9:42AM
THE Melbourne Stars sealed top spot on the Big Bash ladder on Tuesday night with a seventh consecutive win, but not without a couple of key body blows.
After losing Lasith Malinga to a whim of Sri Lanka Cricket, the Stars will sweat on another star's possible absence with Rob Quiney suffering a shoulder injury while fielding.
But nothing, it seems, can stop the Stars, who ran down Hobart's mediocre 9-131 with five balls to spare.
And while Luke Wright (52 off 36) was the hero of the chase, the continuing bowling excellence of John Hastings set the tone for the win.
Hastings, who's been a pillar of consistency with the ball, now has nine wickets for just 158 runs for the tournament.
More importantly, almost half of all his deliveries have been dot balls - a phenomenal 16 of his 24 went without a score conceded on Tuesday night.
On the other side of the coin, the Hurricanes - already playing without one import having dropped Owais Shah - got an absolute shocker out of Shoaib Malik.
The Pakistan all-rounder was desperately unlucky to be run-out for a diamond duck - without facing a ball - off a deflection while backing up at the bowler's end.
But his third over of off-spin summed up his night, conceding three wides, a six and an horrendous dropped catch off a skied attempted slog by Brad Hodge.
Malik later dropped David Hussey at deep fine-leg to cap his horrid evening before the veteran Victorian batsman piloted the hosts home with an unbeaten 19.
Earlier, Hussey opened the bowling for the Stars and picked up Hobart skipper Tim Paine first ball.
And just when the Hurricanes had rebuilt and looked like posting a testing target, Marcus Stoinis picked up dangermen Travis Birt (31 off 23) and Ben Dunk (30 off 30) in consecutive deliveries.
Dunk had looked particularly promising, but fell to a spectacular Wright catch at point from a full-blooded cut shot.
The Englishman managed to parry the ball up as he was knocked to his feet by the ball's velocity, then it landed on his stomach and rolled up his chest before he clutched it.
But Quiney's scare will have potentially longer-lasting ramifications, depending on how he pulls up this morning.
The former Test batsman made great ground from deep square leg to attempt a diving catch off a skied pull shot from Jon Wells in the game's fourth over.
But Quiney, who had shoulder surgery after a fielding accident for Essex in May, landed heavily and immediately favoured his right shoulder.
He was taken from the ground for treatment but returned to the bench later in Hobart's innings and batted briefly at first drop but was clearly in pain when he attempted any lusty swings.
Peter Siddle and Dwayne Bravo lead Melbourne Renegades to thrilling win over Adelaide
RICHARD EARLE
THE ADVERTISER
JANUARY 22, 2014 11:26PM
Dwayne Bravo had a magnificent game for the Renegades. Source: Getty Images
Melbourne Renegades marvel Dwayne Bravo consigned Adelaide Strikers' disappointing Big Bash League campaign to a miserable end in a thrilling one-run loss last night.
The Strikers needed 21 from 12 balls, 14 off the final over and four from the final ball bowled by Bravo (2/23) but tailenders Michael Neser (35, 24 balls) and Kane Richardson (7) couldn't reach the 166 target.
The Strikers finished 7/154 and needed Neser on strike for the final ball, Richardson managed two runs.
"It' very disappointing, we feel we haven't played at our best," said Strikers coach Darren Berry whose side finished second bottom.
Adelaide had required 65 off 50 balls following a middle order collapse that left it 6/91.
Impressive keeper-batsman Tim Ludeman struck 20 from 22 balls before becoming Test star and Renegades debutant Peter Siddle's (3/35) third victim.
When Nathan Reardon (16) became Siddle's second scalp (16) the Strikers needed 83 off 69 - a standard T20 ask.
However international gems Bravo and Muttiah Muralitharan (2/16) showed why they are on the big bucks as the Strikers lost 3/0 with Travis Head (7), Hales (32) and skipper Johan Botha (0) all falling.
The world's No.1 ranked T20 batsman Hales smacked 109 runs off 67 balls for the Renegades last season but had failed to replicate that form with the Strikers.
Opener Hales will enter England's T20 series against Australia in patchy touch with 175 BBL runs at 21.9.
Towering Hales teased with starts all tournament but never landed the half century or match winning innings the Strikers and his quest for a blockbuster Indian Premier League auction price required.
Michael Klinger's 222 runs ahead of last night's game warranted a T20 international call-up against the Old Enemy.
The opener exited to Siddle but still averaged 44 this series.
No.3 Jono Dean (28, 13) took 14 off Siddle's second over - Ferguson but lasted two balls before trapped lbw by legend Muralitharan.
The Renegades finished 6/155 failing to lift a gear after top scorer Bravo's departure for a power packed 47 off 33 balls.
Bravo put on 71 in eight overs with sweet timing Ben Rohrer (30, 24) - living up to his reputation as one of the games true entertainers.
Bravo hit Tait over his head for six in the 17th over - a rare feat - and took 18 off eight balls from the Big Rig.
Retiring Daniel 'Doc' Harris (31, 32)and opening partner Michael Hill (30, 24) had set a solid platform with 61 in 8.1 overs.
Former Redbacks batsman Harris made 835 Twenty20 runs for the Redbacks at 37 and the Strikers could have done with that contribution this season.
Richardson (2/32) put the brakes on the Renegades and was on a hat-trick courtesy of great outfielding catching from Michael Neser - getting rid of Solomon Fire (1) and Peter Nevill (0).
Hobart Hurricanes secure final Big Bash semi-final spot with 40-run win over Brisbane Heat
ADAM SMITH
MERCURY
JANUARY 23, 2014 10:52PM
Dunk's 87 came off just 53 balls. Source: News Limited
HOBART saved its best Big Bash performance on its home turf for when it mattered most on Thursday night to power its way into the semi-finals and set up a showdown with the unbeaten Melbourne Stars.
In a carbon copy affair to 12 months ago - needing to defeat the Brisbane Heat at Blundstone Arena to sneak into fourth spot - the Hurricanes erased the disappointment of last year to record a 40-run victory in front of 10,863 fans.
On the back of another sublime knock from opener Ben Dunk (87 from 53 balls), the home side amassed a BBL ground record 7-209 before restricting Brisbane to 8-169 in reply.
Dunk cracked six boundaries and three sixes, swelling his tournament leading total to 348 runs at an average of 49.7 and a strike rate of 146.8.
He shared a 98-run first wicket stand with skipper Tim Paine (47 from 29), which yet again laid the perfect platform for the latter overs.
And after several failures, a misfiring middle order finally cashed in to finish off the foundation set for it.
Jon Wells (12), Shoaib Malik (14) and Travis Birt (11) may not have set the world on fire but they wasted few balls in their cameos, before Evan Gulbis, who replaced Ben Hilfenhaus in the starting 11, iced the innings with a 12-ball 22.
Leading wicket taker Cameron Gannon took 3-42, while Test hero Ryan Harris (2-42) snared both his wickets in the final over.
The Heat got their chase off to a flyer, racing to 0-46 after five overs before English import Dimitri Mascarenhas (2-42) turned the contest on its head.
The crafty medium pacer removed the dangerous Craig Kieswetter (22) and Joe Burns (0) in the final over of the powerplay, with Kieswetter caught behind by Paine keeping up to the stumps and Burns undone by an in-swinger which crashed into his stumps.
Leg-spinner Cameron Boyce (3-21) then had Chris Lynn caught at cover in the next over as Brisbane slumped to 3-53 with the asking rate climbing above 12 runs an over.
It could have been even better in Mascarenhas' final over, where Luke Pomersbach clubbed a ball to deep mid-wicket only for Malik to misjudge the chance, spill it and watch it go for four.
Pomersbach rubbed salt into the wound by sending a delivery deep into the construction site two balls later, and reached a brilliant half century from 25 balls.
But with the required rate climbing and wickets falling around him, the left-hander perished trying to keep his side in touch, dragging Ben Laughlin onto his stumps for an enterprising 32-ball 60.
Big hitting Ben Cutting and James Hopes combined to add 52 for the sixth wicket but any hope the visitors had of equalling the highest ever BBL total and replicating Hobart's run chase in round one at the Gabba disappeared thanks to some brilliant Paine glovework and brave captaincy.
Hopes charged Malik in the 16th over, with an off-break sneaking between bat and pad and an unsighted Paine snaffling the stumping opportunity.
Next over the skipper brought Boyce back into the attack from the Church St end - despite leaving Cutting hitting to a short leg side boundary - and the tweaker repaid the faith by sneaking a leg-break through Cutting, who missed a big swipe over mid-wicket.
Melbourne Stars forced to dump James Muirhead after national call-up; Mitchell Starc returns
ANTONY PINSHAW
FOX SPORTS
JANUARY 24, 2014 8:21PM
MELBOURNE Stars have been put in the unusual position of having no choice but to dump James Muirhead from their squad just days after he was called up to Australia's Twenty20 side.
The young leg-spinner's rapid ascent stepped up a notch this week when he was named in the 14-man squad for three T20 clashes against England.
But despite his national honours, Muirhead was brought crashing to earth on Friday, albeit due to a technicality.
The 20-year-old was only in the Stars squad as an injury replacement for South Australia paceman Daniel Worrall, so when Worrall was declared fit to play this week the Melbourne franchise had no choice but to bring him back into the team at the expense of Muirhead.
The club took to Twitter to explain the situation to outraged fans who were hoping to get a last glimpse of the spinner before he linked up with the national side.
The Stars' final regular-season match is against Perth Scorchers on Monday.
Meanwhile, gun paceman Mitchell Starc is set to make his long-awaited comeback from injury after being called into Sydney Sixers' squad for the Big Bash semi-finals.
The Sixers will be without batsman Jordan Silk, who took out the Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year gong at the recent Allan Border Medal evening, as well as giant English paceman Chris Tremlett for the remainder of the season, but will be boosted by Starc's return.
All-rounder Sean Abbott moves back into the squad for Saturday's derby against Sydney Thunder, while the man who originally replaced Starc at the start of the season, Josh Lalor, holds onto his spot as an injury replacement for Silk.
Nathan Lyon, Nic Maddinson propel Sydney Sixers to strong win over Sydney Thunder
CARLY ADNO
NEWS LIMITED NETWORK
JANUARY 25, 2014 10:42PM
Nic Maddinson hits a boundary. Source: Getty Images
A TERRIFIC spell by Nathan Lyon and a controlled half-century by Nic Maddinson gave the Sixers an eight-wicket Big Bash win with four balls to spare over the Thunder in the Sydney derby at ANZ Stadium.
The Sixers will now play the Perth Scorchers in the semi-finals, but they'll have to wait until Monday night's game between runaway leaders Melbourne Stars and the Scorchers to find out if they've done enough to play that game at home.
The Thunder, meanwhile, finished with the wooden spoon for the third time in three Big Bash League seasons.
Lyon (3/14) limited the Thunder to a modest 6/128 before a good partnership between Maddinson (59) and Moises Henriques (27) guided the men in magenta home.
It was a largely risk-free chase, with only Michael Lumb (2) out early before a quick 32 from Mark Cosgrove got the visitors off to a fast start.
Moises Henriques on the attack. Source: Getty Images
Lyon struck twice in the 10th over to remove Daniel Hughes (32) and Mike Hussey (21), but an injury to his spin partner Stephen O'Keefe dampened the mood.
O'Keefe suffered a dislocated shoulder while fielding off his own bowling, meaning the Sixers will more than likely be without a frontline spinner for the rest of the competition, with both Lyon and Steve Smith heading to South Africa for Australia's Test series.
Stephen O'Keefe down with a dislocated shoulder. Source: Getty Images
But they will welcome back Mitchell Starc and English all-rounder Ravi Bopara for the semi-final on February 5.
The Sixers' three-pronged spin attack of Lyon, O'Keefe and part-timer Marcus North stifled the Thunder batsmen after Brett Lee was expensive early on.
The former Test quick went for 12 runs in his first over as Hughes and Tillakaratne Dilshan got off to an aggressive start.
The Thunder had to make do without Usman Khawaja, who suffered a recurrence of a hamstring injury that sidelined him at the start of the season.
The dangerous Dilshan was brilliantly run out by Sean Abbott, who hit the stumps with a direct hit.
That brought Hussey to the middle and the skipper showed intent when he hit Lee for six.
But then the Sixers' spinners came into play, with Lyon and North in particular slowing the Thunder's run rate right down.
Hussey tried to attack, but he only managed to pick out Abbott in the deep and was caught for 21.
Mike Hussey skies a ball off Lyon. Source: News Limited
That was Lyon's first wicket and the Test star struck again in the same over, bowling Hughes for 32. Hughes went for the big hit, but was beaten by flight and lost his middle stump.
It was a poor shot choice and left the Thunder reeling at 3/62.O'Keefe, already one of the more unlucky spinners in Australia, then popped his shoulder out mid-over when he dived to stop the ball.
Despite excellent figures, the 29-year-old continues to be overlooked by selectors and now faces a spell on the treatment table.
"It was a weird feeling landing on the ground - I couldn't move it," O'Keefe said.
"Fingers crossed, it won't be too much time off the field. Before I walked out there Brad Haddin said to be careful diving on the ground.
"I'm not sure whether the Messiah put the devil's touch on me."
Fantastic glove-work by Dan Smith, who has been excellent all season, got Lyon his third scalp of the night when he had Andrew Tye stumped.
In a familiar Thunder batting display - the exception being their only win of the season against the Melbourne Renegades - there were no notable contributions.
Only Hughes, Hussey, Kurtis Patterson (27) and Ryan Carters (15) reached double figures as the home side limped to their modest total.
Melbourne Stars struggle to field full side for clash with Perth Scorchers on Monday
MARK HAYES
HERALD SUN
JANUARY 27, 2014 12:00AM
THE Melbourne Stars are just one mishap on Monday morning away from fielding a 10-man team for their Big Bash League game against Perth.
And that's provided last-minute recruit Mohammad Hafeez arrives as expected overnight from Pakistan as the runaway BBL leaders face a logistics nightmare for their last regular season match at the MCG.
Cricket Australia has ruled seven of the Stars' squad with various national squad commitments are unable to face the Scorchers.
And while the Stars are playing a straight bat publicly, they're privately fuming that it's possible for English import Luke Wright to play in the match yet his Australian T20 team counterparts Cameron White and James Muirhead are not.
The Stars have spent much of the past week scrambling to find a replacement for Lasith Maligna after Sri Lanka Cricket pulled rank and demanded his return for a national fitness camp.
Hafeez was only granted official clearance on Sunday afternoon as visas were hurriedly arranged for the all-rounder who had originally been part of the Melbourne Renegades' squad before Pakistan Test team commitments forced those plans to be abandoned.
CA said that because Hafeez's Renegades contract was "never executed", he was eligible for the Stars.
The unbeaten minor premier was also told it is unable to promote development rookie Ben Abbatangelo as an official 12th man, although he will be able to act as a sub fielder.
Stars veteran David Hussey joked that the team's "chief hydration officer", comedian Andy Lee, was on standby.
"Andy put his hand up to bat No. 3, but we've got our bare 11 and hopefully we can put on a good show for our fans," Hussey joked.
"I can sort of understand where Cricket Australia is coming from.
"Their directive is to produce the best possible Australian cricket team and play their best possible players.
"But I'm a little disappointed personally that Luke Wright is available to play for us and our (own) international T20 players aren't available."
Hussey said the Stars were confident there would be no change to the team's momentum despite the influx of new names.
"The depth has been tested, but in saying that, people like Clive Rose, `Frank' (Daniel) Worrall are champing at the bit to get out there and play," he said.
"The momentum and confidence is still high within the group."
Hussey said it would be easy to lose focus on the Scorchers with next week's semi-final against Hobart already locked in.
"You never want to look too far ahead, in T20 cricket especially if you take your eye of the ball eve for one over you lose the game and confidence as well.
"It's definitely good to beat your opposition. We might have to play the Scorchers again."
South African Jacques Kallis a possible BBL target for Sydney Thunder
ADRIAN WARREN
AAP
JANUARY 26, 2014 5:11PM
South Africa's Jacques Kallis plays an awkward shot. Source: News Limited
LEGENDARY South African cricketer Jacques Kallis looms as a possible target for perennial Big Bash League battlers the Sydney Thunder, after captain Mike Hussey declared they needed extra power and class in their batting.
Thunder have finished last in all three seasons of the domestic Twenty20 competition, compiling a dreadful 3-20 record.
One potential target could be allrounder and batting great Kallis, who recently retired from Test cricket but plans to play in the 2015 World Cup in Australia.
"We'd be more than happy to have him here next year. He'd be a very handy acquisition,' Hussey said of Kallis.
The Thunder won just one of eight matches in the 2013-14 tournament, in which they consistently struggled to score quickly and make decent totals.
"We need to have a good look at the whole squad, but we definitely need some class in there. We need some more power,'' Hussey said.
He insisted the Thunder could take plenty of positives from the season and felt they produced a lot of good performances.
Hussey was the Thunder's leading run scorer, notching three of the team's meagre tally of five half-centuries.
It was a tough season for the promising but inexperienced quartet of Jason Floros (77 runs at 19.25, strike rate of 106.94), Daniel Hughes (79 runs at 13.16, strike rate of 94.04), Kurtis Patterson (62 runs at 10.33, strike rate 100.00) and Ryan Carters(42 runs at 8.40, strike rate 87.50).
Hussey said they were talented players, but needed experience and time to develop.
"They've worked really hard, they are willing to learn, they will do anything to get better,'' he said.
"If we keep showing that faith in them, then they will repay that faith in spades in time.''
Despite the adverse results, Hussey said his time at the Thunder had been "absolutely brilliant'', and praised his players for remaining positive.
"I think also next year we'll be a lot better as well, because I've certainly been learning on the job, as a captain of a T20 team,'' Hussey said.
"The longer we stick together and keep as many of these guys as we can, I think the better we'll be.''
