Shadab bowls wicketless expensive overs as Thunders’ woes continue

Sydney Thunder haven’t had much to write home about this season, as they currently sit at the bottom of the table with just one win. They lost their third home game despite setting the Hobart Hurricanes a gigantic target of 206.

×

Big Bash League 2025-26 Dec 14 to Jan 25

More>

January 3, 2026 1:15 pm Result

Hobart Hurricanes won by 6 wkts

Hobart Hurricanes

207/4 (17.5)

Sydney Thunder

205/4 (20)

January 2, 2026 1:15 pm Result

Brisbane Heat won by 4 wkts

Brisbane Heat

199/6 (19.4)

Melbourne Stars

195/6 (20)

Warner’s century in vain

Thunder’s David Warner notched up a 65-ball 130. None of the remaining batters contributed much, with Nic Maddinson’s 30-run knock being the next highest score.

But their batting still looked loads better than what they did with the ball. The Hurricanes chased down the total with 13 balls to spare.

Shadab’s expensive overs

Pakistan spin-bowling all-rounder Shadab Khan had a particularly tough outing, as he was tonked for 40 runs in three wicketless overs. He was hit for four sixes, making it his second-worst figures in the Big Bash League (BBL).

The Man of the Match, Warner, said that bowlers failing to take early wickets was what made the task easier for the Hurricanes, who are known for their chasing ability.

"They're a class team and they've chased very well over the last couple of years. Without [the injured] Tim David, you think you're a bit of a chance. But when they get off to a good start and there's no early wickets and no pressure, they can play the way that they want to. They dictated from the get-go," Warner said after the game.

Shadab is part of Pakistan’s squad for the three-game Sri Lanka tour, which will run from January 7 to January 11 in Dambulla.

Reportedly, he is also in the plans for Pakistan’s T20 World Cup squad, which will be announced after the conclusion of the Sri Lanka series. It is worth mentioning here that Shadab underwent surgery on his right shoulder, which kept him out of competitive cricket since June last year.

Unlike the rest of his compatriots, such as Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Haris Rauf, Shadab will leave his BBL side to join the Pakistan team in Sri Lanka. However, given the Thunder’s form this season, his absence might not mean much to them.

ALSO READ: https://www.ipl.com/cricket/news/lockie-ferguson-injury-puts-t20-world-cup-2026-participation-in-doubt-for-new-zealand