Thunder thrash Strikers to stay perfect

Sydney Thunder produced a dominant performance on Monday to extend their perfect start in the Big Bash League with a seven-wicket victory over the previously unbeaten Adelaide Strikers.

Both teams came into the clash at Sydney Showground Stadium boasting two wins from as many matches in Australia's domestic Twenty20 tournament.

Yet a surprisingly one-sided contest ensued as the Strikers struggled to 117-9 in the face of disciplined bowling, before Jacques Kallis underpinned a routine run-chase - completed with 21 deliveries to spare - with 49 not out from 48 balls.

After losing the toss, the hosts immediately seized control of proceedings with wickets in the first two overs.

Tim Ludeman was caught behind off the first ball of the match, bowled by Andre Russell (2-28), while Gurinder Sandhu (1-23) had Craig Simmons held at point for one.

Veterans Mahela Jayawardene and Brad Hodge did their best to steady the ship, reaching 21 and 34 respectively, while Adil Rashid contributed a brisk 25 from number nine.

However, the Strikers were unable to build any momentum as Clint McKay (2-18), Kallis (1-15) and Fawad Ahmed (1-14) excelled.

Faced with a modest target, Kallis subsequently shared 66 in 9.5 overs with Aiden Blizzard (35 from 29 balls) to end any hopes of an Adelaide fightback.

Ben Laughlin picked up the wickets of Shane Watson and Russell after Blizzard had fallen to Simmons (1-5), but it was too little, too late.