England’s Billings guides Thunder to Big Bash final

Sydney Cricket Ground’s Big Bash League knockout:

Sydney Sixers 151-7 (20 overs): Silk 43* (30), Andrews 2-15, W Agar 2-25

Sydney Thunder 157-6 (18.5 overs): Billings 42* (29), Sangha 30 (19), Kerr 2-35

Thunder won by four wickets

Sydney Thunder defeated Sydney Sixers in the Challenger to reach the final with four wickets in the final.

With seven balls to go, the Kent and England wicketkeeper ran out to finish the 152-run chase with a 42-run not out from 29 balls.

Thunder, who finished bottom of the table last season, will travel to Hobart Hurricanes for Monday’s final.

The table was dominated by the Hurricanes, who have never won the Big Bash, while Thunder have made it their first final since winning their only title in 2016.

Jordan Silk was credited with helping the Sixers win 151-7 with home advantage at the Sydney Cricket Ground after placing second behind Thunder.

After the home side were reduced to 76-5 in the 13th over, Silk made 43 not out from 30 balls, supported by 30 from Ben Dwarshuis, to keep Sixers competitive.

In the chase, Thunder shook, especially against Yorkshire leg-spinner Jafer Chohan, who only made one boundary in his 1-22.

Hayden Kerr was whipped over the leg side for six by Billings with 19 needed from 18 balls, and Dwarshuis was denied a winning six before Nathan McAndrew drew two fours and a winning six.

“It’s brilliant”, said Billings. “I don’t think we played a perfect game, but hopefully we’re saving that for Monday”.

After retiring from international cricket, Billings praised Thunder captain David Warner, who had the best run-scorer in the competition.

“It’s infectious, his attitude, and the way he approaches the game”, said Billings.

“As an Englishman, I’m going to be questioned by a few people back home,” I’ve said.