Sam Billings led Sydney Thunder to the Big Bash final with a four-wicket victory over city rivals Sydney Sixers in the Challenger match.
The Kent and England wicketkeeper finished with 42 not out off 29 balls, completing an uneasy chase of 152 balls with seven balls to spare.
The Thunder, who finished in last place last season, will face the Hobart Hurricanes in Monday’s final.
The Hurricanes, who have never won the Big Bash, came out on top, and the Thunder advanced to the finals for the first time since winning their only title in 2016.
The Sixers, who finished above second-placed Thunder and had home advantage at the Sydney Cricket Ground, benefited from Jordan Silk’s 151-7 lead.
After the home side were reduced to 76-5 in the 13th over, Silk made 43 not out off 30 balls, supported by Ben Dwarshuis’ 30, to keep the Sixers competitive.
Thunder conceded just one run in the chase, winning 1 and losing 22, particularly against Yorkshire leg-spinner Jaefar Chauhan.
Needing 19 off 18 balls, Billings whipped a six to the leg side of Hayden Carr before Nathan McAndrew took two fours and hit the winning six from Dwarshuis. He achieved victory.
“It’s amazing,” Billings said. “I don’t think I played a perfect game, but I’ll save it for Monday if possible.”
Billings praised Thunder captain David Warner, who became the tournament’s top scorer after retiring from international cricket.
“His attitude, the way he approaches the game is contagious,” Billings said.
“When a British person says something like this, some people back home will question me.
“When you play with him, you learn every day and you see why he is one of the best players to ever play in this format of the game. With that experience and leadership, he has played great this year. Ta.”
