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PERTH: Finn Allen continued his red-hot form as Perth Scorchers secured a six-wicket win over Melbourne Stars to finish atop the Big Bash League (BBL) 15 standings on Saturday.
The top-of-the-table clash in Perth was set up with both teams on 12 points, with a chance to end the group stage at the summit.
Scorchers made the most of the opportunity, finishing with 14 points and leaving Melbourne Stars behind on 12, while Hobart Hurricanes sit second with 13 points.
The fourth playoff spot will be decided on Sunday when the Sydney Sixers take on the Brisbane Heat.
Scorchers won the toss and opted to bowl, a decision that paid immediate dividends.
Melbourne Stars struggled against a disciplined Perth attack and were bundled out for 130 in 18.2 overs.
Jhye Richardson led the charge with a four-wicket haul, supported by David Payne and Cooper Connolly, who took two wickets each.
The Stars’ batting lineup failed to fire, with only captain Marcus Stoinis offering resistance.
Stoinis produced a valiant 55 off 39 balls, including five fours and two sixes, but lacked support from the rest of the lineup.
Campbell Kellaway (19) and Hilton Cartwright (13) were the only other batters to reach double figures.
Chasing 131, Scorchers lost early momentum as Haris Rauf ran through the top order, picking up three wickets and reducing Perth to 26-3 in 4.1 overs.
But Finn Allen held his nerve and steadied the innings. He found a strong partner in Aaron Hardie, and the duo stitched a crucial 94-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
Allen led the chase with a 39-ball 69, smashing seven sixes and two fours, before falling to Peter Siddle with just 11 runs required.
Hardie then took charge, remaining unbeaten on 41 off 37 balls, guiding Scorchers to victory with plenty of time to spare.
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