Sydney Sixers defeated Adelaide Strikers by 4 wickets in the play-offs encounter.
Sydney Sixers entered the Big Bash League (BBL 11) final after a 4-wicket victory over Adelaide Strikers on Wednesday (January 26). The match ended with a last-ball thriller as Sydney required two off the final delivery.
It also involved controversy after Sydney decided to retire hurt Jordan Silk ahead of the final delivery and sent in Jay Lenton to the non-striker's end instead. Sydney assistant coach Lenton was in the playing XI after Josh Philippe tested positive for coronavirus.
ALSO READ: BBL 11: "Sad day for cricket!", Steve Smith stopped from participating in Big Bash League
Their opener Hayden Kerr, who won the Player of the Match, was on strike and he hit a four to seal the match. Kerr ended up scoring unbeaten 98 runs in 58 balls to help his team reach the final. He smashed 10 fours and a couple of sixes in his knock which came at a strike rate of 168.97.
"We have NEVER seen this before!" wrote the official Big Bash League Twitter account while sharing the moment on Twitter.
The controversial last ball of the match has sparked debate on social media. Some found it unethical and against the spirit of cricket, while few fans also backed the move as it was within the rules.
Former Australia skipper Mark Waugh reacted to the incident and said although Sydney's decision was within the rule, it wasn't a good example of sportsmanship. "It’s in the rules but it’s probably not in the spirit of the game," he told Fox Sports.
Here are the reactions of fans: