Stats round-up of the fifth Big Bash League season that was clinched by Sydney Thunder after finishing at the bottom in the previous four editions
Bharath Seervi25-Jan-20167 Sydney Thunders’ previous best finish in the first four editions of the Big Bash League, which they achieved last year. In the first three years, they finished with the wooden spoon. This time though, they won the tournament, beating Melbourne Stars in the final by three wickets.172.50 Usman Khawaja’s average this season – the second-best by a batsman in any T20 series with a minimum of 300 runs. Chris Gayle’s average of 328 in Natwest T20 Blast 2015 is the highest. Khawaja scored 345 runs in just four innings with scores of 109*, 62, 104* and 70 and ended as second-highest run-getter. He also became the second batsman to make more than one century in a BBL season after Craig Simmons of Perth Scorchers (2013-14).2 Five-wicket hauls this year: Samuel Badree took 5 for 22 against Melbourne Stars, while Nathan Lyon took 5 for 23 against Hobart Hurricanes. There were only two such hauls in the BBL before this season, which were taken by Lasith Malinga and Daniel Christian, both in 2012-13. Click here for the best bowling figures in this BBL. Interestingly, only seven maiden overs were bowled during this edition, the fewest in any of the BBL seasons so far.12 Number of deliveries Gayle took to reach his fifty against Adelaide Strikers in the final group fixture. He equaled Yuvraj Singh’s record for the fastest half-century in T20s, off12 balls, which he brought up against England at the World T20 in Durban in 2007. Click here for the fastest fifties in T20 cricket.8.19 Teams’ scoring rate this season – the highest in BBL. In each of the previous four seasons, teams had scored at less than eight runs an over, with the highest being 7.92 in 2013-14. Teams averaged 26.73 per wicket this year, which is also the highest in comparison to the previous seasons.1 Totals of 200 or more, which was made by Sydney Thunders against Sydney Sixers. There were seven such totals in 2013-14 – the most in any BBL series. The highest total made in 2012-13 was 189, the only season without a 200-plus total.5 Hundreds scored by batsmen this season. None of the previous four seasons had more than three centuries. Three centuries were scored in the 2011-12 season, whereas the other three seasons had two centuries each. Click here for the highest individual scores in this BBL.21.53 Balls per six in this year’s BBL – best in any season by a distance. The previous season with highest frequency of sixes was 2011-12 where a six was hit every 24.20 balls. A four was hit every 9.33 balls this season, which also is the highest frequency among the five BBL editions. Consequently, the balls per boundary ratio of 6.51 this year is the least in any season of BBL.5 Number of century stands, which are the least in any BBL series. However, there were 69 stands of 50 or more runs this time, which are by far the highest in any year. The highest partnership this season was unbroken 171 between Shaun Marsh and Michael Klinger for Scorchers against Melbourne Renegades, which is the second-highest stand for any wicket in BBL.2 Batsmen who have scored 50 or more in the semi-finals and finals of the same season of BBL: Khawaja and Kevin Pietersen, both this season. Khawaja scored 104* and 70 and Pietersen made 62 and 74 in the two knockout matches.27 Sixes hit by Chris Lynn – the most by any batsman in a single BBL season. The previous record was of 22 by Chris Gayle in 2011-12. Gayle and Travis head hit 20 sixes this year. Lynn’s strike rate of 173.39 is the highest by any batsman who has faced 100 balls or more in a single BBL season. The previous best was a strike rate of 168.29 by Travis Birt in 2011-12.18 Wickets taken by Clint McKay – the joint highest in a single BBL season with Cameron Gannon’s 18 wickets for Brisbane Heat in 2013-14. McKay played ten matches, while Gannon played only eight.6.51 Economy of Adil Rashid – the second-best among eight bowlers who took 15 or more wickets in a single season of BBL. Rashid took 16 wickets for Strikers this season. Jason Behrendorff’s economy of 6.27 in 2014-15 is the best.
