Pope and Short Guide Strikers to Season’s First Win

Adelaide Strikers defeated Melbourne Stars by 15 runs at Adelaide Oval, with legspinner Lloyd Pope earning redemption and late inclusion D’Arcy Short playing a key role. Despite a strong challenge from the Stars, the Strikers maintained their lead throughout the match. The Stars fell short in their pursuit of 166, remaining winless for the season. […]

Short, who wasn’t originally scheduled to play, was called up after Chris Lynn was sidelined with a calf niggle. He made a significant impact, top-scoring with 42 runs. Alex Ross provided valuable support, and the Strikers posted 165/6 in their first home match of the campaign. Chasing the target, the Stars struggled with limited contributions from their top order.

Opener Sam Harper kept the Stars in the game. Still, the middle order, including Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell, only managed cameos rather than substantial innings. Strikers’ spin trio took six wickets, with Pope leading the charge. Pope returned from a poor performance in the opening match against Sydney Thunder, conceding 31 runs in a game-changing over.

Catch up on new blogs at IPLbookmakers.

Pope bounces back with key wickets and support from Strikers’ spin trio.

“There were some pretty nasty things out there on social media, but that’s just how cricket goes,” Pope told Fox Cricket. “You ride the highs and lows, but I’m just trying to keep it even.” He responded to the criticism by taking the crucial wicket of Sam Harper and receiving strong support from fellow legspinner Cameron Boyce and fingerspinner Matthew Short.

Matt Short praised Pope’s resilience, saying, “We were always going to back him again, even after that over last week. He’s a ripper to have around the team.” Maxwell, playing his first BBL game of the season, briefly threatened to take control with reverse sweeps for six off Boyce’s second and third balls. However, paceman Henry Thornton trapped Maxwell lbw, offering solid backup to the spin trio.

The match also featured one of the best catches in BBL history, with Englishman Ben Duckett taking a stunning leaping right-handed snare at extra cover to dismiss D’Arcy Short. However, it was the only highlight of Duckett’s night, as he was trapped lbw for a golden duck on the third ball of the innings by Matthew Short. D’Arcy Short’s 28 runs included six and five fours. At the same time, Ollie Pope contributed just 8 off 10 balls before being caught behind off a poorly executed ramp shot.

Baartman was sidelined for the third ODI with a knee injury.

South Africa’s ODI squad has been dealt another blow, with Ottneil Baartman ruling out of the third ODI against Pakistan due to a right knee injury. Baartman becomes the second bowler to be sidelined during the ODI series, following Keshav Maharaj and the sixth seamer injured this summer. Other key seamers, including Gerald Coetzee, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Lizaad Williams, and Anrich Nortje, have also faced fitness issues.

In light of Baartman’s injury, Corbin Bosch, who recently received his maiden call-up to the Test squad, will replace him in the ODI lineup. Bosch is also in line to make his Test debut against Pakistan on Boxing Day, adding further significance to his call-up. Baartman, who had bowled seven overs for 2 for 37 in the series opener in Paarl, experienced discomfort during his run-up before the second ODI in Cape Town. He wasn’t part of the match-day XI but was expected to play in the third ODI.

Baartman’s injury is not expected to impact South Africa’s Test plans. However, they are still awaiting updates on Wiaan Mulder’s fitness. Mulder fractured his right middle finger during the first Test against Sri Lanka last month but has started batting again. He was set to undergo a scan on Thursday. Test coach Shukri Conrad emphasized a cautious approach to his return. This suggests Mulder may not feature in the first Test against Pakistan at SuperSport Park. South Africa may opt for an all-pace attack, with Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, Bosch, and Dane Paterson, or consider 18-year-old Kwena Maphaka, who impressed on ODI debut with 4 for 72, despite South Africa’s 81-run loss.

With Pakistan already having won the series, South Africa will aim to salvage pride in the third ODI on Pink Day at the Wanderers on Sunday. This match will be their last with their strongest available squad before the upcoming Champions Trophy next year.