Big Bash League: Revisiting all the past winners

#2 2015/16 - Sydney Thunder

Sydney Thunder were the surprise winners of the 2015-16 BBL

Sydney Thunder were statistically the worst team of the BBL before the 2015-16 season as they were among the bottom two teams in the previous four seasons. The 2014-15 was their best season till date where they ended second to last.

However, they begun the 2015-16 BBL by winning their first match against the Sydney Sixers by 36 runs thanks to Mike Hussey’s 80. They narrowly defeated Melbourne Stars by a run in their next match. Usman Khawaja scored 109.

Their winning streak continued as they beat Adelaide Strikers in their third game. However, this was followed by four successive losses against Hobart Hurricanes, Brisbane Heat, reigning champs Perth Scorchers and Melbourne renegades.

It seemed like Sydney Thunder may once again miss out on a semi-final spot. However, a 46-run win against Sydney Sixers thanks to Shane Watson and Andre Russell who were brilliant with the bat, and Fawad Ahmed and Chris Green who were brilliant with the ball.

In the semi-finals, they were up against table-toppers Adelaide Strikers. A second century by Usman Khawaja helped Sydney Thunder beat the Strikers and reach their first BBL final. Here, they would face Melbourne Stars who were in their first final as well after losing four consecutive semi-finals.

In the final, Thunder had to chase down 177 to win. A 40-ball 70 from Khawaja and a few cameos from Aiden Blizzard and Ben Rohrer helped Thunder win the match with three balls to spare. Usman Khawaja and Michael Hussey were both amongst the top 5 run-scorers (2nd and 4th) while Clint McKay was the top wicket-taker of the tournament with 18 wickets.

However, their best all-round player was Andre Russell who scored 185 runs at a strike rate of nearly 187 and was the joint second-highest wicket-taker with 16 wickets.