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It’s a number that will be followed by all 11 Sydney Thunder players and coach Trevor Bayliss for the rest of their careers: 15.
Just 15 runs were scored, with the Adelaide Strikers needing just 35 balls to skittle their Big Bash League rivals and make headlines around the world.
Unsurprisingly, there is clear daylight between the Thunder and the rest of the Big Bash League when it comes to the lowest total recorded in the competition’s 12-year history.
One number will follow Sydney Thunder players for the rest of their careers: Fifteen
Before Friday night’s shellacking, the Melbourne Renegades were the not-so-proud holders of the worst total in BBL history, having scored an embarrassing 57 against arch-rivals the Melbourne Stars in 2015.
The Renegades also previously occupied the No 2 spot in the record books after being bowled out for 60 runs off 10.4 overs against the Sydney Sixers in 2020.
The Stars almost took that slot last year, when they managed just 61 runs against the Sixers from a scant 11.1 overs.
The Strikers may enjoy a celebratory beer or two tonight, but they don’t want to look down on the top five worst totals in BBL history, as they occupy fourth place with their pathetic 68 runs from 14.2 overs against the Stars in 2021.
The Melbourne Renegades previously had the lowest total, with their 57 against the Stars
Shane Warne’s Melbourne Stars skittled many teams for several runs, including the Scorchers
And you have to turn the clock back more than 10 years ago for the Perth Scorcher’s total of 69 runs in 15.2 overs against Shane Warne’s Stars.
The lowest T20 total before the Thunder’s dismal effort in Sydney was provided by Turkey in 2019, when they scored a pathetic 21 runs against the Czech Republic.
Unlike Sydney, the international minnows overcame the powerplay. Interestingly, the Czechs scored the highest T20 total on the day, ending their innings on 287-4.
Lesotho separate Turkey at No 1 and No 3, having secured second place in their total of 26 against Uganda last year.
Thailand and Mali are tied for joint fourth with both countries scoring 30 runs – with the Africans reaching the total on two occasions this year against Rwanda and Kenya.
Speaking on Fox Cricket, former Australian fast bowler Brett Lee said of the Thunder’s performance: ‘I am speechless. I have never seen a performance like that. It’s horrible when you think about it.’
Former Australia wicketkeeper Brad Haddin added: ‘We’ve seen some aggressive fast bowling, some incredible catches and a Strikers team who are really enjoying their cricket but for the Thunder to be bowled out for 15 is embarrassing.’
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