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Sixers strive for more after 4-1 BBL start

3 minute read

Sydney Sixers have banked four wins from five BBL games as they hunt a third straight title, with Dan Christian saying it feels like a similar start to 2020-21.

DANIEL CHRISTIAN
DANIEL CHRISTIAN Picture: Scott Barbour/Getty Images

Sydney Sixers allrounder Dan Christian believes the best is yet to come as his BBL side hunt a third straight title.

Christian snared 3-8 in the Sixers' four-wicket win over Adelaide Strikers at the SCG on Tuesday night, when Sean Abbott stepped up with ball and bat.

The hosts' stop-start pursuit of a target of 148 wasn't their most polished performance of the season.

But Christian's side are nonetheless 4-1 ahead of their Boxing Day derby against Sydney Thunder, sitting pretty as they seek to enhance a reputation as the league's most successful club.

"It probably isn't too far off the way we played last year as well," Christian said.

"We haven't played anywhere near our best cricket for these first four or five games.

"But we're getting over the line.

"And it's someone different every game who is doing something to get us over the line.

"It's got that feeling about it, similar to last year, where we're not playing our best but we're still winning."

Abbott finished 19 not out against Adelaide, while youngster Hayden Kerr whacked his second ball for six to bring up the winning runs in the final over.

The match was Chris Jordan's final BBL game of the season, while fellow English paceman Tom Curran has returned home because of a back injury.

Veteran spinner Steve O'Keefe was another enforced omission on Tuesday night, with the club unsure when the veteran spinner will be able to return from his latest calf injury.

Christian argued the Sixers had "great depth", pointing to Kerr's composed two-ball cameo with the bat.

"We've got guys coming in, all the way down the order, who either have the experience - or they have the talent but haven't had that opportunity yet," he said.

"Kerry's been fantastic for us this year. Been great with the ball.

"That's his first chance with the bat and he's come out and hit a six to win the game.

"It might be a bit of a surprise to you guys, but it's not really a surprise to us from what we see at training and what we've seen in practice games.

"There's just a real confidence among the group and a confidence in the guy we're standing next to out on the field."

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