[Watch] Sydney Thunder debutant becomes youngest player to hit a BBL fifty
At 19 years and 76 days old, Sydney Thunder debutant Sam Konstas made history on December 17, 2024, by becoming the youngest player to score a fifty in Big Bash League (BBL) history. He achieved this milestone in the third match of the 2024-25 season against the Adelaide Strikers at Manuka Oval, Canberra.
Thunder, chasing a target of 183 runs, lost their captain David Warner early for seven off five balls. However, Konstas took charge from the other end, reaching his half-century in just 20 balls, setting the record for the fastest fifty by a Sydney Thunder player. The right-handed batter finished with 56 runs off 27 balls, including eight boundaries and two sixes.
Here is a video of Sam Konstas' innings:
After Konstas' dismissal, Oliver Davies (23 off 19) and Sam Billings (29 off 26) got starts but failed to convert them into substantial knocks. Meanwhile, Sherfane Rutherford (3) was dismissed cheaply.
Thunder faced a tough challenge, needing 34 runs from the final two overs with Daniel Sams (11) and Chris Green (8) at the crease. Lloyd Pope bowled the penultimate over, and Sams took charge, hitting three boundaries and three sixes. Pope also bowled a wide, conceding 31 runs in the over.
Although Green was dismissed off the first ball of the final over, Thunder secured victory by two wickets with two balls to spare, as Sams shone with an unbeaten 42 off 18 balls, including four boundaries and three sixes.
Lockie Ferguson and Chris Green shine with the ball for Sydney Thunder
Sydney Thunder won the toss and elected to bowl. Adelaide Strikers had a tough start, losing their captain Matthew Short for seven, while his opening partner Jake Weatherald contributed 40 off 19 balls. Chris Lynn (2) and Harry Nielsen (8) struggled to make an impact.
Jamie Overton then anchored the innings, remaining unbeaten on 45 off 35 balls. In the final stages, James Bazley played a brilliant cameo, scoring 31 off 12 balls, including three boundaries and two sixes. The Strikers finished their innings at 182/8 after 20 overs. Lockie Ferguson and Chris Green each took three wickets, while Tanveer Sangha claimed two for Thunder.