THE PERTH Scorchers continued to roll in the Big Bash League, with their latest scalp coming in the form of the Brisbane Heat, romping home to the tune of eight wickets at the Gabba on Wednesday night.

Perth has been in ripping form and currently sit at the top of the table in the BBL, cruising home in the second innings and further establishing their title credentials. The Heat have been lacking some consistency of late, but looked to bolster their chances with the inclusion of Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne and Matthew Renshaw, all of whom are capable of posting big scores at any level.

However, the class of the Scorchers was too much, as the visiting side stormed home in the back end of their innings to chase down the total with three and a half overs in hand.

The Scorchers won the toss and chose to bowl, given the swing and bounce provided by the Gabba’s pitch at times. Khawaja got off to a strong start in his first game in a Heat uniform after a strong stint with the Thunder. He had 28 runs off 23 balls, while fellow opener Josh Brown had 18 runs of his own. Labuschagne could only manage 10 runs before being caught off a Jason Behrendorff delivery, but Jimmy Pierson (26 not out) and Max Bryant (36 off 27) got the Heat back on track.

When the final ball of the first innings was bowled, the Heat had the set the total at a competitive 6/155, and although the Scorchers had the batting power to chase it down, Brisbane gave itself a solid chance to defend a score.

The Heat held a lot of the momentum to kick off the second innings, dismissing both Perth openers in the first four overs thanks to some impressive work from Matthew Kuhnemann (who dismissed Stephen Eskenazi with a delivery that edged through to the keeper) and Xavier Bartlett (who trapped Cameron Bancroft lbw).

However, the Heat then opted to bowl Labuschagne, a part time spinner, in the fifth over. Unfortunately, he was carted for 20 in six balls and the momentum flipped in Perth’s favour. A massive partnership from Aaron Hardie (65 runs not out) and Josh Inglis (67 runs not out) powered the Scorchers home to an eight-wicket victory on the road, their seventh of the season.

SCORECARD

RESULT: Perth Scorchers (2/157) def. Brisbane Heat (6/155)
POTM: Jason Behrendorff (Perth Scorchers)
TOSS: Perth Scorchers won the toss and opted to bowl

KEY PLAYERS

Perth Scorchers:
Josh Inglis (67), Aaron Hardie (65)
Jason Behrendorff (3/21)

Brisbane Heat:
Max Bryant (36), Usman Khawaja (28)
Xavier Bartlett (1/31)