South Africa’s greatest all rounder Jacques Kallis is making waves in Australia’s Big Bash league for Sydney Thunder.

Kallis led his team to a 20-run victory over the Perth Scorchers. Kallis made 70 off 49 balls to help his side to 179 for three. Kallis then picked up two for 24 in his four overs.

Kallis scored an unbeaten 97 against Brisbane Heat just over a fortnight ago. Kallis was well supported by Australian veteran Mike Hussey who scored 96, and together they put on a record first-wicket partnership of 160.

Perth Scorchers and Sydney Thunder are sitting in third and fourth place respectively on equal points with only net run rate separating them. Both sides have played four games, each having won two and lost two.

The Adelaide Strikers and Sydney Sixers are in first and second place. The Strikers remain the only undefeated team, winning all four of their opening fixtures, and are sitting at the top of the log with eight points. Sydney Sixers have won three of their four games and are on six log points.

The Strikers will play third placed Scorchers at the Adelaide Oval on Tuesday.

The leading run-scorer in this year’s league is South African-born Englishman Michael Lumb, who has accumulated 187 runs at an average of 37.40. Behind him is Perth Scorchers batsman Michael Klinger, who has 180 runs at an average of 60 with a highest score of 105 not out.  Kallis has 170 at  56.66.

The leading wicket-taker is John Hastings of the Melbourne Stars, who taken taken 10 wickets at a strike rate of 9.3. In second place with eight is JP Behrendorff at a strike rate of 12.0. South Africa’s Johan Botha, of the Adelaide Strikers, has taken four wickets in his four games at a rate of 19.5.

Photo: Backpagepix