Perth Scorchers have defied an early batting wobble to cruise to a six-wicket win over Melbourne Stars and secure top spot on the BBL ladder at a sold-out Optus Stadium.
The Scorchers had all the momentum at the innings break after bowling the visitors out for just 130, but quickly found themselves in all sorts of bother in response at 3-26.
With their place in Tuesday’s Qualifier on the line, Finn Allen (69 from 39 balls) and Aaron Hardie (41 not out from 37 balls) delivered a brilliant 94-run third-wicket stand to all but see their side over the line.
A fervent crowd of 48,608 packed in witness the winner-takes-first clash, which is the Scorchers’ best in a non-finals game.
Perth will now welcome either Hobart Hurricanes or Sydney Sixers to their home ground to a final, which will grant the winner direct passage and hosting rights to Sunday’s decider.
Jhye Richardson, who returned to form and claimed player of the match honours by bagging 4-16 from 3.1 overs, said having two home finals regardless of Tuesday’s result “is a real advantage for us”.
“Team’s generally don’t like travelling over here, it’s a longer flight and we tend to play pretty well here in Perth,” Richardson said.
“I think it just gives us a bit of confidence in how we play our cricket here. We’ve got really good plans on how to play here. The wicket was better again tonight, so if we can get something with a little bit of pace and bounce, I think it’s a huge advantage for us, especially with eastern states teams coming over here.”
After he was on the right end of the bat flip for the first time since the season opener against the Sydney Sixers, Ashton Turner had no hesitation in choosing to bowl.
And the Scorchers captain was rewarded with a superbly well-rounded effort from his bowlers, with only leg-spinner Luke Holt — who sent down just one over — going without a wicket.