Rain is certainly the last thing a cricket fan would want to witness on the field. However, the opening of heavens during Sydney Thunder vs Brisbane Heat clash in Big Bash League (BBL) 2019-20 proved to be a blessing in disguise for the spectators as they witness mayhem by Tom Banton. The match was initially reduced to eight-overs per side and the English player came out to open the innings for the Heat. The right-handed batsman wreaked havoc and registered a fifty off just 16 deliveries, the second-fastest in BBL history. Twitterati also went berserk by Banton’s colossal hitting and hailed the opener. Rashid Khan Goes for His Most Expensive Figures in Big Bash League.

During the course of his knock, Banton also smashed spinner Arjun Nair for five consecutive sixes in the fourth over of the match. The Thunder wasn’t able to get over the rampage by Banton and eventually lost the match by 16 runs via Duckworth Lewis method. The wet ball proved to be an absolute disaster for the Sydney bowling line-up as they were smashed to all the parts of the ground. The opener will be seen representing Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 and is expected to put up a similar show there too. Meanwhile, let’s look at how the netizens applauded Banton’s innings.

Great Knock!!

Those Five Sixes!!

Banton Rises Expectations!!

The 'X' Factor!!

More Expectations!!

KKR in Seventh Heaven!!

With the ICC T20 World Cup being less than a year away, Banton has made his case stronger for the place in the squad and ignoring him will not be easy for the selectors. Speaking of the match, Banton’s opening partner Chris Lynn also scored 31 runs off mere 13 balls and helped Brisbane 119 in their allotted eight overs. In reply, the Thunder failed to succumb to the pressure and eventually lost the match by 16 runs.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 06, 2020 07:32 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).