Nottinghamshire duo Michael Lumb and Riki Wessels were influential in seeing the Sydney Sixers overturn the Adelaide Strikers and reach the Big Bash League final.
A record-breaking 52,633 packed the Adelaide Oval, but were treated to a clinical performance from the Sixers. Where the visitors posted 181-4 from their 20 overs, the Strikers then folded to 94 all out with 5.3 overs still remaining.
Nic Maddison’s innings tipped the odds in the Sixers’ favour early, reaching 85 thanks to handy partnerships with Lumb, Wessels and Moises Henriques.
Maddison, batting at three, seemingly in a bid to spoil the Strikers’ best laid plans, allowed Lumb & Wessels to open proceedings. Lumb typically struck the ball nicely, racing to a 19-ball 32 including seven boundaries, while Wessels played steadily for a run-a ball.
The Outlaws’ 2014 player of the year was struck in the grille with a short ball from Kane Richardson, but with the ground shocked the ball remained caught between visor and wire, Wessels fortunately escaping unharmed.
Lumb’s innings came to an end thanks to a mix up leading to a run-out, while Wessels was bowled by Shaun Tait, but it was Maddison who proved the difference.
In contrast, the Strikers’ top order failed to fire. Craig Simmons could only make five before being caught behind off Sean Abbott, and a catch from Michael Lumb accounted for the dangerous Tim Ludeman.
Brad Hodge and captain Johan Botha were two of four Strikers to reach double figures, but a Sixers bowling attack sharing wickets kept the contest well out of reach.
Lumb, Wessels and former Outlaw Ed Cowan into the final then, the Sixers’ opponents in Wednesday’s match decided by the second semi-final between the Perth Scorchers and the Melbourne Stars.
Trent Bridge hosts the fourth Royal London One-Day International between England and New Zealand on Wednesday 17 June. Don't miss the chance to take in what promises to be an absorbing contest and secure your seat now.