Sydney Sixers Ready for BBL Final After Ben Dwarshuis Masterclass
Fueled by a career-best performance and a newfound confidence, Ben Dwarshuis believes the Sydney Sixers are peaking at the right time heading into the Big Bash League (BBL) final.
The 29-year-old left-arm seamer ripped through the Brisbane Heat on Friday night, taking 5-21 in the 39-run qualifying final win. It was a performance that Dwarshuis credited to his recent stint with the Australian T20I squad.
“In India, I just think how calm the environment is in the Aussie set-up at the moment was really nice,” Dwarshuis said. “Going to India, who are the powerhouses of T20 cricket, and putting in a few good performances there a few weeks out from the BBL let me start the tournament with plenty of confidence.”
Despite his heroics, Dwarshuis wasn’t named in the BBL Team of the Tournament. However, he sees this as a testament to the team’s depth and camaraderie.
“We don’t have anyone in the team of the tournament, but if there was a second or third team most of our squad would be in there,” Dwarshuis said. “Everyone has made great contributions throughout the BBL and when you get in pressure moments that’s a really important thing to have in your team.”
The Sixers, with their core group of players who have stuck together for years, have played in six BBL finals, winning three. Dwarshuis, who has been a part of two wins and two losses, believes this year’s team has the potential to add another trophy to the cabinet.
“I look at the team now and there are probably six or seven who have played 100 games with the Sixers,” Dwarshuis said. “We know each other’s roles and are comfortable with each other. Our win in Perth and this win here shows we are peaking at the right time in the tournament.”
The Sixers host the final at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Wednesday, hoping to capitalize on their home-ground advantage.
“The home ground advantage is a saying for a reason,” Dwarshuis said. “We have played four of our games there this year and know what to expect.”
