Watson was promoted up the order in the absence of star pair Usman Khawaja and Jacques Kallis, and responded beautifully, blazing three sixes and requiring just 41 balls to build the Thunder towards the highest total of BBL|05 in what is just about a must-win clash for the men in green.
Aiden Blizzard – using a bright green bat, no less – made 20 alongside Watson before edging Sean Abbott's first delivery through to Brad Haddin.
Watson took control from there, upping the ante as he began peppering a 36,000-plus crowd with maximums, including two from Test spinner Nathan Lyon.
He was eventually out attempting another six, this time from Ben Dwarshuis, as he picked out Jackson Bird at long on.
By that time, Mike Hussey had settled into his innings and provided another valuable contribution, making 41 from 29 as he accelerated the total towards 200 at the back-end of the innings.
Read more from BBL
Continue reading...
