Gurinder Sandhu held his nerve as Sydney Thunder produced a frantic one-wicket victory over Melbourne Stars on the last ball in a low-scoring thriller to launch the BBL season. Chasing a modest 123, Thunder’s chase imploded due to reckless batting. They appeared down and out several times against a pumped-up Stars attack on a tricky Manuka Oval surface. But they clawed back through the late heroics of Sandhu, who hit a six when Thunder needed seven off the last three balls.

They achieved the tense victory off the final delivery through a bye in a major relief for Thunder. Stars were left heartbroken, especially new captain Adam Zampa. Who had claimed his 100th BBL wicket as he appeared on course to celebrate his first match in charge in style until the dramatic late turn of events. There is a lot riding on this new BBL season after a couple of tough Covid-19 affected years. But tournament organisers couldn’t have scripted a better opening first night. With this nerve-jangling match capped by an incredible last over.

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Sandhu’s overall performance made the Thunders win their opening match

Stars appeared in the box seat after substitute fielder Brody Couch took a spectacular high-flying catch at long-off in. What might just be the catch of the summer across formats. It was the second gem from Couch. Who had earlier juggled a catch low to the ground, reviving memories of Mark Taylor’s classic snare against West Indies at the SCG. But the twists kept coming, with a calm Sandhu nailing a six before it came down to the last ball delivered by Beau Webster.

Who beat the batter only for wicketkeeper Joe Clarke to completely miss the ball after he had taken his glove off in anticipation of a run-out. Stars’ pace attack had been pinpointed as their weak point during a couple of indifferent seasons. Trent Boult’s signing – albeit for half a season – was hoped to make a major difference. He started the fightback in Thunder’s opening over with consecutive wickets of Matthew Gilkes and Rilee Rossouw. Boult was supported by paceman Nathan Coulter-Nile, who snared three wickets, and looked fit and firing after a strong pre-season.