Ian Cockbain top-scored with 65 as Adelaide set the Sydney Thunder 185 to win their BBL clash. -AAP Image
Ian Cockbain has continued his rich run of form since arriving in Australia, steering the Adelaide Strikers to 6-184 in the BBL Knockout final against the Sydney Thunder at the MCG.
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Cockbain struck a dashing 65 on Sunday night to have the Strikers, chasing their sixth successive victory, well placed to advance to the Challenger against the Sydney Sixers on Wednesday.
The Strikers got off to a flyer in the powerplay with Daniel Sams enduring a nightmare early, conceding 19 in the third over and dropping Matt Short on 13 with an uncharacteristic piece of misjudgement in the outfield.
Sams redeemed himself the following over when he launched himself high to take a screamer and dismiss the dangerous Alex Carey (23).
Short moved into second position on the competition's run-scoring leaderboard before being trapped lbw by Jason Sangha on 39.
Travis Head (3) departed cheaply but Cockbain, after a sedate start, proceeded to take on the Thunder attack.
The Liverpool-born No.3, who only joined the Strikers 11 days ago, raised his 50 off 30 deliveries by going six, four, four off Jason Sangha and thumped three maximums in his 38-ball knock.
Legspinner Tanveer Sangha (2-15 off four overs) was comfortably the pick of the bowlers for the Thunder.
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