Watson stars as Thunder edges Sydney derby

Sydney Thunder began its Big Bash League campaign with a last-ball victory over Sydney Sixers, with captain Shane Watson its hero.

Sydney Thunder captain Shane Watson was pivotal in kicking the campaign off with a win as he hit 77 off 46 balls, a knock that included 12 boundaries and anchored the Thunder's response.

Shane Watson played a captain's innings to lead Sydney Thunder to a nail-biting last-ball derby victory over the Sixers in the opening game of the 2017-18 Big Bash League.

The Thunder finished bottom of the table last season in a disappointing defence of its 2015-16 title, but its prospects look more promising after Tuesday's dramatic five-wicket success.

Watson was pivotal in kicking the campaign off with a win as he hit 77 off 46 balls, a knock that included 12 boundaries and anchored the Thunder's response.

The all-rounder's efforts with the bat came after Fawad Ahmed starred with the ball, the spinner claiming sensational figures of 2-11 from his four overs – a spell that did not concede a boundary.

Ahmed and Arjun Nair helped limit the Sixers to 149-9 from their 20 overs, Moises Henriques' side having been 55-1 after six.

After a shaky start the Thunder found its feet, but it needed 10 from Nair in the final over to reach its 150-run target.

FAWAD THE SPIN KING

After the Sixers made a stirring start it was Ahmed who halted its progress with a stunning spell.

He started with a wicket maiden and also bowled 13 dot balls, stunting the Sixers and bringing the Thunder back into contention – Ahmed taking two wickets in the process.

MORE ENGLISH WOE

It has been a month of disappointment for England's cricketers in the Ashes, and even those not involved with the national team are struggling on Australian soil.

Jason Roy was the first man out for the Sixers with just two from five balls, and Jos Buttler fared no better as he was removed for a duck in the first over of the Thunder's reply.

It capped a painful day for the wicketkeeper after being hit on the helmet when trying to run out Peter Nevill, a throw from the deep rearing up and striking him on the head.

SAMS STARS ON BBL DEBUT

Not many had heard of Daniel Sams when he was named in the Sixers' line-up, and it's no surprise given he has only made three first-class appearances for Canterbury in New Zealand.

However, the 25-year-old starred with the ball as the Sixers came so close to victory.

Sams removed Buttler and Kurtis Patterson in his first spell, before returning to dismiss Ryan Gibson and crucially Watson late on – the seamer nearly claiming a sensational hat-trick.