Sam Konstas' Big Bash debut was nothing short of historic, as he became the youngest player to score a 50 in BBL history and notched the fastest half-century ever for the Sydney Thunder.
The 19-year-old's aggressive knock, which included eight boundaries and two sixes, helped the Thunder chase down the Adelaide Strikers' total of 182.ย
Scoring just 56 off of 27 balls, Konstas opened the batting alongside skipper David Warner in Canberra on Tuesday night.
โHe's calm and clear in his mind, it was actually exciting to go out there and bat with him,โ Warner said about Konstas during the match.
โHis chitchat was good, he's playing with freedom and that's what you want from a youngster.โ
Some huge late hitting from tail-ender Daniel Sams saw the Thunder solidify the win with just two balls remaining.
In one of the most dominant batting performances in BBL history, Sams smashed 31 runs off a single over, the equal best in the competition's history.ย
โThese are the kinds of wins, especially early in the tournament, that can get you a long way,โ Sams told the Seven Network.
โWe were in a position where we probably should have cruised, and then we were in a position where it's going to be tough to win so getting over the line is really important.โ
Konstas' standout performance has brought him closer to a Test debut following an impressive season with NSW. With Australia eyeing a possible replacement for 38-year-old Usman Khawaja, Konstas is being touted as the national team's next long-term opener, with a potential debut as soon as Boxing Day.
โI really want the chance, I love being challenged and hopefully that can happen soon,โ Konstas said at the SCG earlier this month.ย
โI feel like I'm in a good headspace. It's been the best few months I've had, and hopefully one day I can represent my country.โ
