Thunder spoil New Year's at The Furnace

Jacques Kallis has inspired Sydney Thunder to their first-ever win over reigning BBL champs Perth Scorchers in the New Year's Day clash at The Furnace.

The South Africa legend made 70 from 49 balls, hitting nine fours and two sixes despite appearing to strain a hamstring mid-innings, then opening the bowling and taking 2-24 from his four overs to steer the Thunder to a 20-run win.

Aiden Blizzard continued his outstanding form, making a lightning 47 from 31 balls before being caught at cover by Jason Behrendorff from the bowling of the impressive Andrew Tye (1-26).

Blizzard came to the crease after Andrew McDonald (7) fell to Behrendorff, the allrounder opening the batting but missing out as he skied a chance that Michael Klinger held.

Mike Hussey (36 not out off 21) and Eoin Morgan (16 not out off 12) then set about capitalising on a strong foundation to propel the visitors to what will be a challenging total for the Scorchers.

Nathan Hauritz bowled beautifully to take the key wickets of Klinger (10) early in the Scorchers chase and Sam Whiteman (16) as the run chase heated up. 

Kallis too was excellent as Perth lost their first three wickets with just 41 on the board, as Hussey provided another highlight with a superb diving catch to remove Ashton Turner for a duck.

Michael Carberry (69 not out off 48) played a lone hand and kept the home side in the contest until the dying stages, teaming up with Ashton Agar (31 not out off 27) but the intimidating total of 179 always looked beyond them once the top-order wickets of Klinger, Marcus Harris and Adam Voges fell cheaply.