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CoA’s decision comes after the state associations fail to comply with the new BCCI constitution

Nagraj Gollapudi09-Oct-2019In what is likely to have a bearing on the BCCI elections, the Committee of Administrators (CoA) has disqualified three key state associations – Tamil Nadu, Haryana and Maharashtra – for failing to comply with the board’s new constitution. These three states have been declared non-compliant and are barred from participating in the BCCI elections scheduled for October 23 in Mumbai.In response, the TNCA has said they will ask the Supreme Court to intervene should the board’s electoral officer N Gopalswami, who is likely to announce the final electoral roll on Thursday, rules against their representative attending the elections. This CoA directive has been sent to both Gopalswami and P Narasimha, the amicus curiae appointed by the Supreme Court.Vinod Rai, the CoA chairman, confirmed to ESPNcricinfo that all three associations were informed of their non-compliance on Tuesday. “We found their explanations to be unsatisfactory,” he said.In an e-mail directive sent to all three states associations on Tuesday, the CoA said they were being “disqualified from participating in cricket administration and governance at the BCCI in any way whatsoever, including by participating and voting in the BCCI general body meeting.”In the directive, the CoA also said all three state associations had lost the right to cast a vote at the BCCI elections “because it has not complied with the (court) judgement and it is necessary for the purpose of proper implementation as mandated by the Supreme Court.”ESPNcricinfo understands the three-member CoA was split on the decision to bar the three state associations. While Rai and Ravindra Thodge were in favour of disqualification, Diana Edulji, the former Indian woman’s captain, objected. Rai and Thodge were of the opinion that the TNCA, HCA and MCA couldn’t have been exempted from complying with the new orders if a majority of the associations, around 30, did so.Edulji is believed to have said compliance was just one thing and presented examples of several state associations, including Delhi & Districts Cricket Association and Baroda Cricket Association, that had violated various eligibility criterion while electing their office bearers.The CoA had earlier issued a show cause notice and sought an explanation for non-compliance from the TNCA, HCA and MCA, while also asking them to comply with the new regulations. In Maharashtra’s case, it was pointed out that the MCA hadn’t even registered its constitution, which is mandatory. As for TNCA, one of the key reforms as recommended by the Lodha Committee, which is part of the BCCI constitution, concerned former international players finding two seats on the Apex Council. Currently, the new TNCA administration has no cricketer in its team.While notifying all state associations about the elections in September, Gopalswami made it clear no association could send a representative or vote at the election if the CoA felt they were non-compliant with the new BCCI constitution drawn up on the basis of the Lodha Committee recommendations.Among the three associations, the TNCA has been most vocal about its opposition to CoA’s stance on compliance. In their response to the show cause notice, the TNCA stated the CoA didn’t have the authority to decide if a state association was compliant or not.”The job of the CoA is only to file a status report with reference to the compliance undertaken by the state associations,” RS Ramasaamy, the newly elected TNCA secretary, wrote in an email to Gopalswami on September 30.Ramasaamy, who has also been chosen by the TNCA to attend the BCCI elections, also pointed out that only the Supreme Court had the right to suspend any state association from attending the BCCI election. In the email to Gopalswami, he said the TNCA “shall not be restrained” from attending the board elections on the “ground of having not being found to be compliant” by the CoA.”Any such act on your part of restraining the TNCA from participating in the BCCI elections would amount to contempt of the 9th August Judgement and 20th September order.”

West Ham United chairman David Sullivan and the club's board could now move to offer a 34-year-old a player-coach role at Rush Green.

Moyes future remains unresolved at West Ham

Just when manager David Moyes was beginning to ease the pressure on himself with back-to-back Premier League wins, West Ham unfortunately lost the first leg of their Europa League last 16 tie on Thursday evening.

West Ham eyeing Moyes replacement who's won 9 major trophies in his career

The east Londoners have been repeatedly linked with a new head coach in recent weeks.

ByEmilio Galantini Mar 7, 2024

Freiburg snatched a 1-0 win over West Ham in Germany, giving Moyes' side the task of turning over their deficit if they're to reach the quarter-finals and potentially go on another impressive run. Moyes was vocal in his praise for West Ham's record in Europe before their defeat to Freiburg, but the Scotsman was in less good spirits when commenting on his side's denied last-gasp penalty appeal.

"If we'd had it given against us, we'd probably think it was harsh, but ultimately I have to say what are you doing with your hands above your head?" said Moyes on West Ham's denied penalty against Freiburg.

James Ward-Prowse

7.15

Mohammed Kudus

7.14

Lucas Paqueta

7.14

Jarrod Bowen

7.09

Tomas Soucek

6.97

"They are trying to claim there might have been a slight push and that's why it wasn't given – but they should have restarted the game with a free-kick if they said it was a push. It certainly wasn't enough of a push to warrant a free-kick, so that shouldn't mean that it should even come into consideration. The boy has two arms above his head.

"In the Premier League, I am not sure that would be given, but in UEFA competitions in Europe they're normally given by the referees. I watch Spanish football and German football and nearly every handball is seen. If you think of the one we had against Kurt [Zouma at Everton] the other day, but we just have to take it and move on."

This defeat abroad perhaps reminds the Hammers hierarchy of an imminent decision facing them over Moyes' future. The 60-year-old is out of contract at the end of this season, and there have been reports that West Ham are assessing alternatives to Moyes.

In the meantime, though, it is believed Sullivan and co are plotting another staff change.

West Ham could offer Aaron Cresswell player-coach role

According to Football Insider and journalist Wayne Veysey, defender Aaron Cresswell could be set for quite the promotion.

Indeed, as per their information, West Ham could offer Cresswell a player-coach role to remain at the London Stadium past 2023/2024. The left-back has been a wonderful servant for West Ham over his near-decade-long spell, and with his contract expiring this summer, it is believed the Irons may offer him a route into staying for the foreseeable.

The former Ipswich Town defender has been a bit-part member of Moyes' squad this season, playing just four league games.

Lamine Yamal is not allowed to play in extra time should the Euro 2024 final head there.

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German law restricts Yamal's involvementSpain could be finedLawyer explains implicationsWHAT HAPPENED?

German laws prohibit Under-18s from working past 11pm on a Sunday, meaning Lamal will be breaking some serious rules should he still be on the pitch for an extra 30 minutes. The Sun reveal Spain would either have to sub the young star or face a €30,000 (£25k/$32k) fine.

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It may go against the code, but Spain will likely take the risk when it comes to keeping Yamal on the pitch. The Barcelona youngster has been one of La Roja's best players at Euro 2024 and scored a magnificent goal in the semi-final. A €30k fine will be the least of their concerns should they win in Berlin. Indeed, lawyer Jonas Warnken said a fine is unlikely to be issued.

DID YOU KNOW?

Yamal is now the youngest player to appear at the finals of the European Championship. As well as this, the 17-year-old is also the youngest scorer in the knockout rounds. He will be looking to create more history in the final, perhaps with a winner.

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Yamal will be looking to show up on the biggest stage of them all when Spain meet England on Sunday. The winger will be looking to mark his 17th birthday will a special present for both himself and his nation in the German capital.

The Australia quick took 6 for 35 as the visitors overcame some late resistance from South Australia

The Report by Andrew McGlashan04-Nov-2019Josh Hazlewood found his groove ahead of the Test summer with a first-class career-best 6 for 35 as New South Wales secured a hard-fought 96-run victory over South Australia to consolidate their position at the top of the Sheffield Shield table.Chasing 298, and having started the final day one down, South Australia fell to 7 for 107 as Hazlewood, Trent Copeland and Nathan Lyon chipped away during the first half of the day.However, an eighth-wicket stand of 94 in 18 overs between Tom Cooper (77) and Chadd Sayers (47), who added good runs to his 13-wicket match haul, gave South Australia a glimmer of an unlikely fightback as they got the requirement into double figures. But Hazlewood settled New South Wales nerves with his fifth wicket and the final three fell for no runs in 14 balls.It hadn’t taken them long to make inroads to the chase in the morning, with Copeland removing nightwatchman Nick Winter and Hazlewood having Henry Hunt caught behind off a top-edged hook in the first half-hour.Travis Head moved briskly to 29 on the back of his first-innings century but was then undone by Lyon as he edged a drive to slip where Copeland took a smart catch. After a 40-run stand between Cooper and Callum Ferguson, three wickets fell for 20 runs with Hazlewood and Copeland doing the damage.Sayers chanced his arm as he and Cooper took the attack back to New South Wales but just as they threatened to make things interesting, Sayers top-edged a pull to deep square-leg where Matthew Gilkes held a well-judged catch.In the next over, Copeland halted Cooper’s excellent innings via an inside edge, leaving Hazlewood to end the match when he bowled Luke Robins for a duck to surpass his previous best of 6 for 50, which came in the 2014 Sheffield Shield final against Western Australia.

Fenerbache forward Dusan Tadic has raved over a "great talent" who he says is the "future of Chelsea".

Chelsea's policy of buying younger players

A reoccurring theme of Chelsea's transfer policy since Clearlake Capital's takeover in 2022 has been the acquisition of younger players.

Chelsea have done a tonne of leg work to convince star to join them

The Blues have been working behind-closed-doors.

ByEmilio Galantini Mar 16, 2024

According to recent reports, chairman Todd Boehly and co are planning to sign two players in each position under the age of 23 over the next few years, with Chelsea already bringing in a plethora of young stars.

Manager Mauricio Pochettino, however, has previously suggested this could be a problem – as he doesn't want to end up picking the youngest team in England.

“I am not picking the team because they are young,” said Pochettino.

“I don’t want to be the coach that picks the youngest team in England. We are a young team, but we have a good balance. We have players like Thiago Silva, 39, Raheem Sterling, [Christopher] Nkunku, 26, or [Axel] Disasi.

Burnley

March 30th

Man United

April 4th

Sheffield United

April 7th

Everton

April 15th

Brighton

April 20th

“The problem is not that the players are so young. The problem is that the team is young. With 16 or 17 players that have arrived new from the beginning of the season, you need to build a team. At the moment, maybe it’s not so good. If not, we could be in another position. It’s obvious.”

Of the many young Chelsea crop to join in the last 12 months, 24-year-old goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic has been regularly called upon this season after making the move to Stamford Bridge from New England Revolution last summer.

The Serbian has filled in for Robert Sanchez lately, with many arguably not expecting the shot-stopper to gain that much in terms of league minutes over 2023/2024.

Dusan Tadic says Petrovic is "the future of Chelsea"

Speaking to London News Online, former Southampton star Tadic has backed Petrovic for greatness in the Chelsea net – heaping praise on his compatriot.

“Dorde is a great goalkeeper and a great talent and it’s very nice to see him play for Chelsea," said Tadic.

“I saw immediately in training what a great goalkeeper he is. He’s [also] a very good guy and professional. Actually I am not surprised [to see him play at Chelsea] because in the past we were also looking at him for Ajax. And I remember they asked me about him.

“He was on the list of all the top clubs and if he’s Chelsea number one now is no coincidence. I think he can keep his place [following Sanchez’s return] because once goalkeepers take their chance they don’t give it away to nobody.

“I trust him, he’ll do that. He’s the future of Chelsea. Milinkovic-Savic did very well, we have Dorde, we have Svilar and Rajkovic, so many good goalkeepers.It’s nice for Serbia to have more and more options.”

Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant could not put in big scores for their teams

Hemant Brar24-Nov-2019KL Rahul’s blazing half-century against Punjab gave Karnataka their third win in as many matches in the Super League of Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2019-20. Prithvi Shaw played a similar knock for Mumbai as they defeated Jharkhand in the other Group B game.Meanwhile, in Group A, Haryana beat Delhi with the help of Yuzvendra Chahal’s three-for and replaced Baroda at the top of the table. Baroda lost to Maharashtra earlier in the day.Karnataka v PunjabRahul’s unbeaten 48-ball 84 trumped Mandeep Singh’s 76 off 50 balls as Karnataka beat Punjab by seven wickets.In response to Punjab’s 163 for 6, Rahul got Karnataka off to a flyer and despite Devdutt Padikkal scoring 2 off three balls, the duo added 33 in just 2.1 overs for the first wicket. Rahul kept going for his shots and brought up his fifty off 22 balls.Along with Manish Pandey, Rahul took the side past 100 with a 60-run stand for the third wicket. Pandey fell for a 29-ball 33 but by then his side required just 25 from 29 balls, which they knocked off with 12 balls to spare.Shubman Gill, who was released from the Test side along with Rishabh Pant on Friday, managed only 11 off nine balls, as Ronit More took 4 for 27, his best T20 figures.Mumbai v JharkhandSmarting from their defeat against Tamil Nadu, Mumbai rode on Shaw’s 39-ball 64 to take down Jharkhand by five wickets.Chasing 171, Shaw targeted the arc between long-on and deep midwicket and took Mumbai to 50 in 5.2 overs. He got to his fifty off 28 balls with a straight six off left-arm spinner Sonu Singh before dragging a sweep on to his stumps.Despite Shaw’s innings, Mumbai still needed 64 from 36 balls. However, a 26-run 16th over took the game away from Jharkhand. It started with Shivam Dube hitting offspinner Utkarsh Singh for three successive sixes, and while Dube perished attempting the fourth, Siddhesh Lad smashed the fifth ball for four before collecting two off the sixth.Earlier, Kumar Deobrat struck 58 off just 30 balls with the help of eight fours and two sixes, but once he was dismissed, Mumbai didn’t let the other batsmen score freely. Jharkhand’s eventual 170 for 5 didn’t prove enough.Maharashtra v BarodaRuturaj Gaikwad, Kedar Jadhav and Azim Kazi all scored in 40s before their bowlers skittled Baroda for 98 to give Maharashtra a 67-run win.Continuing his good form, Gaikwad smashed seven fours and a six in his 27-ball 47 before he was trapped lbw by Swapnil Singh. Jadhav (47* off 42) and Azim (48* off 33) then added 87 in 61 balls in an unbroken third-wicket stand to take them to a competitive 165 for 2.Baroda’s chase never really took off. Samad Fallah dismissed Aditya Waghmode for a first-ball duck in the opening over. And when Deepak Hooda and Krunal Pandya too fell cheaply, Baroda were struggling at 37 for 3 in the seventh over.Kedar Devdhar (27 off 20) was the only one to offer some resistance but once he was run out, the rest of the batting just collapsed.Haryana v DelhiHimanshu Rana starred with 59 off 40 balls as Haryana beat Delhi by 30 runs in the north India derby.Batting first, Haryana lost their openers in the first two overs but Rana and Shivam Chauhan (47 off 31) added 105 in 66 balls for the third wicket. While they got out in back-to-back overs, the incoming batsmen kept finding the boundaries and powered the side to 181 for 6.Navdeep Saini had an uneventful return from the groin injury, conceding 21 from three overs without picking up any wicket.Bolstered by Pant’s addition, Delhi would have backed themselves to chase the target down but the wicketkeeper-batsman ended up consuming 32 balls for his 28. By the time he got out, the asking rate had gone past 13. Nitish Rana showed some fight with a 25-ball 37 but it came a too little too late. For Haryana, Chahal was the most successful bowler, registering 3 for 27, his best figures in the seven matches he has played this tournament.

Leeds United have not found goals hard to come by in the Championship this season with the fourth-most goals scored in the second tier so far.

Only Ipswich Town, Leicester City, and Southampton have found the back of the net more than the Whites, who have scored 70 times in 38 matches.

Six players have scored at least six goals in the Championship for Daniel Farke's side, and three players have hit double figures for goals in the league.

Crysencio Summerville (15), Dan James (12), and Joel Piroe (11) have all scored more than ten goals in the division for the Yorkshire-based outfit, as the team competes to secure promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

Leeds also have a few talented young strikers coming up through the ranks, who could eventually emerge as first-team starters for the German head coach.

Mateo Joseph, who has worked his way into the squad in recent months, could be viewed as the long-term successor to Patrick Bamford at Elland Road.

Meanwhile, U18s star Marley Wilson, who is younger and has more time on his hands to develop before making a first-team emergence, could eventually be Piroe's successor.

Mateo Joseph's first-team potential

The Spain U21 international, who previously played for England at U20 level, has made 13 appearances as a substitute in the Championship this season for Leeds.

Farke has trusted him to come off the bench and attempt to make an impact in matches, although the young gem is yet to deliver a goal or an assist.

Joseph did, however, have his breakthrough moment(s) at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea in the FA Cup last month with both of the side's goals in a 3-2 loss against the Premier League side.

The 20-year-old dynamo produced a composed right-footed finish to put Leeds 1-0 up early on before making an excellent run to the back post to head in the equaliser to make it 2-2 in the second half, which proved that he does have the ability to make an impact in the final third at senior level.

His first-team emergence came after an exceptional return for the U21s at youth level, following his move from Espanyol in 2022, as you can see in the table below.

Appearances

7

21

2

Goals

1

16

1

Assists

0

2

1

Joseph, after a slow start in his first season at the club, has racked up 17 goals and three assists in 23 Premier League 2 outings since the start of the 2022/23 campaign.

He could now be viewed as the natural successor to Bamford, who turns 31 later this year, whilst Farke could look deeper into the academy to find Joseph 2.0 and an heir to Piroe's position in the form of Wilson, who has starred for the U18s this season.

Marley Wilson's academy form for Leeds

The 18-year-old starlet is a versatile gem who initially made his breakthrough for the U18s during the 2021/22 campaign as a right winger or centre-forward.

Wilson produced two goals and one assist in 11 appearances in all competitions that term in an understated start to life at that level, at the age of just 16.

He was then deployed as a left winger on a regular basis throughout the 2022/23 season, and chipped in with six goals and four assists in 19 outings in all competitions, including five goals and four assists in 13 U18 Premier League games.

The then-17-year-old was also exposed to the U21 set-up for the first time with three appearances for the club in the Premier League 2, with zero goals or assists in 121 minutes of action.

This season, Wilson has primarily been used as a centre-forward or an attacking midfielder and showcased his lethal finishing in front of goal with a terrific return of ten goals in 12 matches.

He has scored ten goals in 943 minutes of action across the U18 Premier League and FA Youth Cup, which means that the teenage dynamo has averaged a goal every 94 minutes in all competitions for the U18s this term.

These statistics suggest that playing centrally is his best position as he has been in the form of his Leeds career so far as a number nine or ten, which are the two roles Piroe has alternated between for the first-team this season.

Joel Piroe's form for Leeds this season

The Dutchman, who was signed from Championship rivals Swansea on a permanent deal last summer, has had mixed success in the league this term.

Piroe, as aforementioned, is one of only three Leeds players with more than ten league goals for the club but his finishing has left a little to be desired at times.

He has scored 11 goals from an xG (Expected Goals) of 11.71 and missed seven 'big chances' across 37 appearances in the Championship during the 2023/24 campaign.

This suggests that the left-footed marksman has been wasteful at times and not made the most of the high-quality opportunities that have come his way in the second tier.

Appearances

37

Key passes per game

0.7

Big chances created

3

Assists

2

Duel success rate

37%

As you can see in the table above, Piroe has offered little to the team outside of his goalscoring prowess, as he has rarely provided creativity and has struggled physically.

Opposition players have dominated him in physical duels – winning 63% of their contests with the Dutch forward – and this does not suggest that the 24-year-old attacker is likely to cope well with a potential step up in physicality or quality in the Premier League, if Leeds win promotion.

Leeds may, therefore, need to find a long-term replacement for Piroe further down the line, whether that is this summer, or a future summer, and Wilson could be identified as a possible option.

The 18-year-old star is six years younger than the former Swansea centre-forward and has showcased his immense goalscoring talent at youth level this season, in similar positions to Piroe, which is why Farke could look to him as a successor to the Dutchman at some point.

This Leeds academy "monster" could replace Cooper at Elland Road

The talented young colossus could be the next starlet to make the step up to the first-team.

ByDan Emery Feb 21, 2024

For now, Wilson must make the step up to the U21s and prove himself at that level before then making his mark in the first-team in the future.

Arsenal have omitted Chido Obi-Martin from their list of first-year scholars for 2024-25 amid speculation he is set to sign for Manchester United.

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Martin-Obi linked with Man Utd move Arsenal fail to agree scholarship terms Youngster prolific at youth level WHAT HAPPENED?

Martin-Obi appears to have taken another step towards an Arsenal exit after being left out of the club's list of first-year scholars for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The Gunners have announced 11 new scholars who will train under Jack Wilshere and Per Mertesacker for the next two seasons, but Martin-Obi is conspicuous by his absence.

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Martin-Obi has emerged as a target for Manchester United and has been invited to visit Carrington as talks begin over a potential transfer. Luring the teenager away from Arsenal would be seen as a real coup by the Red Devils. Martin-Obi has developed a fearsome reputation during his time with the Gunners and scored 29 goals in 17 league outings for the Under-18s. The forward is one of the most exciting prospects to emerge from Arsenal's academy and also caught the eye back in April when he scored seven goals in a 9-0 win over Norwich City.

DID YOU KNOW?

The Arsenal wonderkid scored 10 goals in a 14-3 win for the Under-16 team against Liverpool in November.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR MARTIN-OBI

Martin-Obi's schoolboy terms at Arsenal have now expired leaving him with a big decision to make on his future. German giants Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are also thought to be interested, as clubs queue up to land one of the hottest properties around right now.

After Xabi Alonso announced that he would be staying at Bayer Leverkusen this summer, Liverpool have been forced to turn to another candidate who is reportedly well aware of where he stands.

Liverpool's next manager

Alonso's announcement came as quite a shock, with the lure of either Liverpool or Bayern Munich this summer one that looked too good to turn down on paper. However, with his Leverkusen side on course to enjoy a historic invincible season to win the Bundesliga and finally dethrone Bayern, Alonso doesn't want to jump a ship potentially sailing towards even greater success next season.

Back to the drawing board, Michael Edwards and Liverpool must now look elsewhere to complete the impossible task of replacing Jurgen Klopp this season, who could end his time at Anfield with a treble of trophies in the Premier League, Europa League and FA Cup.

Whoever comes in next will have the biggest shoes to fill in Merseyside for a long time, and they will need time to do exactly that. That man to fill those shoes, now it won't be Alonso, could well be Sporting CP's Ruben Amorim.

Journalist: “Incredible” player could be Salah replacement at Liverpool

He is “on the list” for the Reds this summer.

ByHenry Jackson Mar 31, 2024

According to Sunday's edition of Correio da Manha, via Sport Witness, Amorim is aware that he's now becoming the main candidate to replace Klopp at Liverpool this summer, but wants to secure the domestic double in Portugal before anything.

A deal to welcome the manager won't come cheap, however, with Jason Burt and Chris Bascombe of The Telegraph reporting that Amorim could cost the Reds as much as £12.8m this summer. Those at Anfield will hope that it's a cost worth paying and not one they regret if they push on and make the 39-year-old their Klopp replacement.

"Talented" Amorim can make Bradley even better

As good as Conor Bradley has been since coming into Klopp's Liverpool side in the second-half of the season, Amorim's 3-4-3 system has the potential to take the Northern Irishman up an even further level, perhaps whilst allowing Trent Alexander-Arnold to step into midfield.

Given the success that he has had at right-back, it's easy to imagine the attacking benefits that Bradley could provide as a wing-back under Amorim. The Sporting manager is certainly someone who's highly rated around Europe too, with Football Talent Scout's Jacek Kulig calling him a "very talented coach" back in 2020.

With that said, whilst there will undoubtedly be disappointment over their failure to welcome Alonso, Amorim could be a more than adequate second choice for Liverpool. If given time, the young manager has the chance to begin what could quickly prove to be an outstanding managerial legacy.

Thunder exacted revenge against crosstown rivals Sixers with a dominant performance at the Sydney Showground Stadium

The Report by Tristan Lavalette18-Jan-2020Sydney Thunder exacted revenge against crosstown rivals Sydney Sixers with a dominant bowling performance in a rain-affected match at Sydney Showground Stadium on Saturday.After electing to bowl, Thunder’s seamers relished ideal bowling conditions and took advantage of two short rain delays to rout the Sixers, who only had two batsmen reach double figures, in their lowly total of 76. Chasing an amended 75 from 16 overs, the Thunder struggled against probing bowling from Jackson Bird but a potentially thrilling chase was ruined by inclement weather.Thunder gained revenge on second-placed Sixers after losing a Super Over nerve-jangler in the Sydney Smash at the SCG earlier in the tournament.Thunder dominate in seaming conditionsThunder made the most of a green-tinged pitch under overcast skies and were helped by a horrible mix-up from openers Daniel Hughes and Josh Philippe. Chris Morris pounced in his follow-through with a clever football-style tap to run out Hughes in the first over.The Sixers slumped to 2 for 1 when Philippe was trapped lbw to Gurinder Sandhu’s first delivery, as the ball menacingly hooped around in the favourable bowling conditions. The Sixers were momentarily reprieved when rain interrupted play after 11 deliveries but slid further on resumption after Moises Henriques got a pearler from Morris as the game resembled something closer to red-ball cricket.Daniel Sams celebrates a wicket•Getty ImagesNormal service resumed after another short rain delay when James Vince fell in typical tame fashion. The Sixers needed Tom Curran to conjure the type of heroics he produced in the last Sydney Smash but he was dismissed after another ham-fisted run out to leave the Sixers lurching at 6 for 26 after 8 overs.Avendano counterattacks but lower-order crumble Sixers’ meek tally received a timely boost when Justin Avendano broke the shackles with a blow into the stands off Nathan McAndrew in a rare counterattack. He found a willing partner in Ben Dwarshuis, who struggled to consistently land blows against the accurate Sixers seamers but the pair added a vital 45-run partnership in the backend.Avendano launched in the 14th over with a baseball-like bash over bowler McAndrew’s head and over the sightscreen. Dwarshuis finally managed to find the middle with some lusty hits before holing out in the penultimate over, as the Sixers regained total control by then dismissing danger man Avendano.There was little resistance from there and fittingly, the Sixers mediocre innings finished with a run out of Steve O’Keefe.Bird menaces before rain ensures early finishThe Sixers needed early wickets and Bird provided the tonic with a short delivery to bedevil Alex Hales first ball. The conditions were tailor-made for Bird, who bowled a nagging shortish length that he has mastered during a formidable red-ball career.Usman Khawaja and Callum Ferguson cautiously saw him off and attacked Curran at the other end until the former drove loosely to be caught at slip.Ferguson and Daniel Sams tapped the ball around to ensure the Thunder were ahead of the DLS par score as rain drizzled before the required five-over mark needed for a guaranteed result.The Thunder breathed a sigh of relief as play continued until midway through the sixth over when the rain became stronger. It failed to abate and washed away the Sixers’ hopes.