The Sydney Thunder fairytale could be set to take another twist with superstars Jacques Kallis and Usman Khawaja both chances of returning ahead of a possible Big Bash League finals campaign.
After being the competition whipping boys over the first four editions of the tournament, the Thunder are on the cusp of a maiden semi-finals berth after a 46-run win over the Sydney Sixers.
Their fate is now out of their hands and they will stay in fourth spot if the table-topping Adelaide Strikers beat the Melbourne Renegades on Monday night.
Not only was their win in the Sydney derby at the SCG on Saturday night an important result for the men in lime green, it announced they weren't there to make up the numbers.
The western Sydney franchise's tournament looked dead in the water after four straight losses but they fired a shot across the bow of their rivals after posting the highest total of the tournament - reaching 5-202 from their 20 overs - and taking all 10 of the Sixers wickets.
And they are set to receive another boost with in-form opener Khawaja and legendary South African allrounder Kallis both chances to make welcome returns should they qualify for the finals.
Khawaja was unavailable for the Sydney derby after being drafted into the Australian ODI squad and is expected to be released when David Warner returns from paternity leave, while Kallis has a valuable few days to recover from a groin injury.
The pair's inclusion would be a boon for the Thunder ahead of the elimination portion of the tournament but skipper Mike Hussey said the side's fate didn't lie with the superstar duo.
Khawaja in particular would be a big addition after showing stellar touch with 109 not out and 62 in his only two outings in the BBL this summer.
But Hussey said they were more than a one-man show and were confident of giving the finals a shake even without two of their biggest names.
"It would be nice to have Uzzie back as well," Hussey said following their win over the Sixers.
"We turned up here tonight without two of our best players and we put on a great show and a great performance and that's really pleasing from my point of view.
"We're not a team that has to rely just on Shane Watson or just Jacques Kallis or just Usman Khawaja - we can get contributions from everyone down the list and that's what you need."
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