Mixed feelings for Sixers' Abbott
Dec 31, 2016 - 6:00 PM Sydney Sixers quick Sean Abbott was so irked by the endless replays of Travis Head's match-winning six for the Adelaide Strikers in last season's New Year's Eve clash he almost stormed out of a club function.Twelve months later, Abbott snared a career-best 5-15 - including the prized scalp of Head - but it wasn't enough to stop his side slumping to a 48-run defeat to the Strikers at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night.
Redemption from his nightmare 12 months ago to the day wasn't on Abbott's mind, but reaping the rewards of lessons learnt was.
"I almost walked out of a function earlier this year - all that was on the big screen was Travy hitting me for six," Abbott said.
"That's what happens when you don't execute and someone as good as Travy has given himself a chance in the 18th-20th over.
"If you don't play well and don't execute that's going to happen.
"You just go back to the nets and learn to play better next time.
"(It was) not so much redemption. I learnt a lot out of that game and the games I've played since.
"I knew if I went out and did the things I've been working on in the nets, I'd have a pretty good night."
Abbott's haul has only been bettered once in BBL history, with Sri Lankan ace Lasith Malinga's incredible 6-7 for the Melbourne Stars in 2012 still the benchmark.
"It's obviously a great thing to have next to your name but it still hurts not getting across the line," said Abbott, whose introduction in the 10th over helped restrict Adelaide to 9-152.
"A little bit bittersweet but at the same time it's nice to get some reward for a lot of hard work."
Sydney's response started well enough but a collapse of five wickets in as many overs derailed the run chase, the Sixers eventually skittled for just 108.
"We still thought we were a chance with Sammy Billings out there," Abbott said.
"Credit to the Strikers, they bowled and hunted well as a unit."
Source: AAP
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