SYDNEY Thunder finished strong in their Big Bash League (BBL) clash against the Perth Scorchers, claiming a six-wicket victory when the two sides faced off at Perth Stadium on Wednesday night.

The Thunder were given a boost by the performance of the Davies’ brothers with both bat and ball, as debutant Joel joined brother Oliver in suiting up for Sydney, with the duo getting involved in getting their side over the line.

The victors successfully pulled off the run chase in the second innings, with the Thunder’s top order firing on the road, with Perth’s loss soured by the loss of star bowler Jhye Richardson late in the match.

Perth Scorchers (9/142) def. by Sydney Thunder (4/143)

The Scorchers won the toss and elected to bat, backing themselves on their home deck to make the most of the quick outfield.

However, things did not go to plan, with Faf Du Plesis (one run from seven balls), Cameron Bancroft (two from eight) and Josh Inglis (six from eight) all falling cheaply. Joel Davies began to get involved in the field, catching Bancroft in the field and delivering an outstanding run out to dismiss Adam Lyth, who looked the best at the top order of Perth’s batting lineup. Skipper Ashton Turner got his side back on track with a crucial knock of 61 runs from just 37 balls. The Scorchers were able to scrape together 142 runs, which could be defendable given how low-scoring this season had been.

The Thunder looked in just as much danger when they headed to the crease, with both Alex Hales and Rilee Rossouw dismissed for ducks as the visitors looked in serious strife. However, a solid partnership between Matthew Gilkes (32 from 26 balls) and Oliver Davies (58 from 47) got things rolling again for the Thunder. Alex Ross came in and finished the job, smacking a stunning 41 off just 18 balls to put the game to bed with three overs remaining.

To add insult to injury for the Scorchers, Richardson headed down to the rooms in the second innings, and did not return for the remainder of the match. It is believed he sustained a hamstring injury, and could spend some time on the sidelines. The fast bowler has been in career-best form in the BBL this season, and the injury has dealt a serious blow to the Scorchers’ hopes in the coming weeks.

SCORECARD

RESULT: Sydney Thunder (4/143 def. Perth Scorchers (9/142) by six wickets
POTM: Oliver Davies (Sydney Thunder)
TOSS: Perth Strikers won the toss and opted to bat

KEY PLAYERS

Sydney Thunder:
Oliver Davies (58 runs), Alex Ross (41)
Nathan McAndrew (3/29)

Perth Scorchers:
Ashton Turner (61)
Jhye Richardson (2/36)