Sydney Thunder’s chase suffered an early setback after a poor piece of running between the wickets resulted in a needless run-out, ending Matthew Gilkes’ stay at the crease in the Big Bash League clash against Perth Scorchers at the Sydney Showground Stadium.
The dismissal came in the eighth over when Ashton Agar had just come into the attack. Sam Konstas attempted a big sweep but failed to connect, with the ball lobbing softly off his pads towards the leg side. With no run available, Gilkes nevertheless set off, committing himself before Konstas could send him back.
Konstas took a couple of steps down the pitch before realising the danger and tried to halt his partner, but by then it was too late. Josh Inglis reacted sharply behind the stumps, collecting the ball cleanly and returning it to Agar, who completed the run-out with ease. Gilkes was left stranded well short of his crease, departing for 33 off 19 balls, an innings that had included three fours and two sixes.
The dismissal was particularly damaging for Sydney Thunder, who were already chasing a stiff target after Perth Scorchers posted 202 for 8. Gilkes had looked fluent and was beginning to find his rhythm before the unfortunate mix-up halted Thunder’s momentum.
Run-outs of this nature often prove costly in run chases, and this one underlined the importance of clear communication under pressure. With the required run rate climbing, Thunder were left to rebuild once again following a dismissal that owed more to misjudgement than bowling pressure.
