MELBOURNE: Perth Scorchers thumped Sydney Sixers by 79 runs in the Big Bash League (BBL) final; lifting their fourth title, here on Friday.
Batting first, the Scorchers posted a commendable 172-runs target despite starting poorly. The side was off to an unlikely start; losing four wickets for just 25 runs. The skipper – Ashton Turner and Laurie Evans, however, fought hard and steered the sinking ship to the coast.
The pair recorded a magnificent 104-runs partnership for the fifth wicket as both the batters scored valiant half-centuries. Turner fell short after scoring 54, while Evans remained unbeaten and kept the scoreboard ticking till the end.
Evans scored an astonishing 76 off just 41 deliveries, laced with four boundaries and as many sixes, while Turner too, smashed four boundaries and a massive six.
For the Sixers, Nathan Lyon and Steve O’Keefe claimed two wickets each, while Hayden Kerr and Jackson Bird shared one wicket apiece.
Set to chase 172, the Sixers’ batting line-up failed completely and could only manage to score a paltry before being bowled out in the 17th over.
Daniel Hughes fought hard for the side but remained unlucky as the batter departed after scoring a valiant 42. His fighting innings ended by Mitchell Marsh, who ran out the batter with little assistance from the wicketkeeper Josh Inglis. The rest of the batters failed to contribute significantly and were dismissed cheaply.
For the Scorchers, Andrew Tye bagged three wickets while, Jhye Richardson took two, Jason Behrendorff, Turner, Peter Hatzoglou, and Ashton Agar struck out a batter each.
With this title victory, the Scorchers have now become the most successful BBL franchise; claiming four titles.
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