James Vince has battled through illness to score a spectacular century, aiding the Sydney Sixers in achieving one of the most commanding BBL chases in history, reaching 195 with 11 balls remaining to defeat the struggling Melbourne Stars.
Feeling unwell prior to the match and needing medication for his upset stomach, Vince scored 101 off 58 balls at the SCG to triumph in the contest against the similarly powerful Ben Duckett.
The triumphant chase with eight wickets remaining marked the eighth largest in the 14-year history of the BBL and the largest in any game at the SCG.
It also left the Melbourne Stars without a victory after four matches, with their playoff chances dwindling quickly, while the Sixers continue to be unbeaten after three games.
“I wasn’t feeling completely well,” Vince stated.
“It wasn’t anything significant; I simply felt somewhat unwell.” I didn’t vomit or anything.
“Batting second was beneficial, it allowed the medication to take effect.” However, as soon as I started moving and the tablets took effect, I felt improved.
On Boxing Day, the Stars showcased their performance, leading the team in front of an audience of 23,212.
Duckett showcased his strength for the visitors, delivering his mix of Bazball in the Big Bash with 68 runs off 29 balls.
England’s demolisher became the second player ever in BBL history to score six fours in a single over, showcasing a series of pull shots and reverse sweeps against spinner Akeal Hosein.
He also targeted fellow spinner Todd Murphy, executing a massive slog-sweep for six to reach his half-century off 22 balls.
Jackson Bird faced similar circumstances, hitting two consecutive fours and a six on the subsequent ball, before the left-handed opener was caught at deep third man.
Glenn Maxwell scored 32 runs off 17 balls for the Stars, who at one point were 3-126 after 10.2 overs until Murphy (2-26) and Ben Dwarshuis (2-33) restricted their scoring.
And although the Stars managed just 16 from their two power-surge overs and faded towards the end, the Sixers performed differently with the bat.
Following Josh Philippe’s 42 off 23 balls and Vince’s contribution, the duo added 83 runs for the opening wicket in just eight overs, with the home team accelerating even further in the latter part of their innings.
Jordan Silk (34 not out) and Vince amassed 35 runs in their two power-surge overs from Peter Siddle and Maxwell, with Vince notably targeting the latter.
The Englishman scored four sixes overall, with two off Maxwell, one launched deep over mid wicket from Tom Curran, and another as he turned fingerspinner Doug Warren inside out over cover.
The opener hit the rope 12 more times in his innings, counting more boundaries than dot balls to ensure the Sixers’ chase remained firmly on course.
The 57-ball hundred made Vince just the second player to score three figures in Sixers colors, having nearly achieved a century in the 2021 final.
“It’s pleasant.” “I believe I’ve discarded a few in the past with some 90s,” Vince remarked.
“It feels great to finally achieve the three figures for the Sixers, but it’s even better to secure the victory.”
