Sydney Thunder kept its hopes of a Big Bash League title defence alive on Saturday with an eight-wicket thrashing of derby rival Sydney Sixers.
The Thunder appeared certain to make an early exit from the tournament when it lost its first four matches, but Shane Watson's side has responded with three wins in a row.
As a result, the reigning champion still has a chance of making the semifinal and its net run-rate received a significant boost courtesy of this latest success.
The Sixers chased down 160 for the loss of one wicket when the teams met in the season-opener, but were limited to a paltry total of 99-9 on Saturday as Fawad Ahmed (4-14) and Carlos Brathwaite (3-21) shone.
A target of 100 was never likely to pose too many problems for the Thunder, who completed victory with 60 balls to spare thanks to quick-scoring contributions from Kurtis Patterson (38 not out from 26 deliveries), James Vince (28 from 18) and Ben Rohrer (26 from 13).
BRATHWAITE A DAB HAND
The Sixers slumped from 52-2 to 67-8 as leg-spinner Ahmed - who was on a hat-trick in his second over - and all-rounder Brathwaite tore through their middle order.
Brathwaite's success led to more 'dabbing' from the West Indian, who had celebrated in similar fashion during his Thunder debut earlier in the week.
ALL TO PLAY FOR
Having missed out on a chance to seal a semi-final place, the Sixers' fate is now set to be decided in their final match against Melbourne Stars next Saturday.
The Thunder must beat Adelaide Strikers on Wednesday to have a chance of making the semi-finals.
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