THE PERTH Scorchers have crashed out of finals contention in the Big Bash League (BBL) after being thumped by the Sydney Thunder in Monday night’s clash at ENGIE Stadium.
The Thunder have all but locked up a spot in the finals with a dominant 61-run win, a result that was largely set up by young star Sam Konstas. Fresh off a memorable test debut, the opening batsman struck 53 runs off 42 deliveries to get his team off to an ideal start in a crucial clash.
Perth got itself back in the contest thanks to some excellent work from its spinners, but Thunder recruit Tom Andrews smashed 37 off 13 in a match-winning cameo late in Sydney’s innings. The home side was bolstered by his rapid knock and managed to get to 7/158 from its 20 overs.
Already on a three-game losing streak, the Scorchers were under plenty of pressure to keep their season alive when heading to the crease, but the could not get the job done, being bowled out for just 97 and falling well short of the required total.
The Scorchers’ disaster innings was summed up by the dismissal of Sam Fanning, who was run out by a Chris Green direct hit with no run on offer despite the apparent call from batting partner Aaron Hardie.
The Scorchers failed to make an impact at the crease, with Hardie top scoring on just 22 in a lineup that saw just four players score 10 or more runs. Although pace bowler Jason Behrendorff tried to get the tail wagging and breathe some life into his side, those around him crumbled in a disappointing display.
In addition to his direct hit, Green was excellent with ball in hand, taking three wickets from his four overs with excellent economy as well.
The result puts the Thunder one step closer to breaking their eight-year title drought in an extremely important result for their season.
SCORECARD
RESULT: Thunder won by 61 runs
POTM: Tom Andrews (Sydney Thunder)
BAT FLIP: Scorchers won the toss and elected to bowl
Sydney Thunder
Sam Konstas 52 (43), Tom Andrews 37 (13)
Lance Morris 3/43 (4), Ashton Agar 1/14 (4)
Perth Scorchers
Aaron Hardie 22 (17), Jason Behrendorff 17 (11)
Chris Green 3/13 (4), Nathan McAndrew 2/21 (3.2)
INNINGS BREAKDOWN:
Power Play (1-4):
Thunder: 2/45
Scorchers: 2/36
Halfway (10):
Thunder: 4/65
Scorchers: 6/63
Totals:
Thunder: 7/158
Scorchers: 97 (17.2)
SQUADS
Sydney Thunder: David Warner (c), Sam Konstas, Hugh Weibgen, Sam Billings (wk), Matthew Gilkes, Chris Green, George Garton, Nathan McAndrew, Tom Andrews, Tanveer Sangha, Mohammad Hasnain
Perth Scorchers: Sam Fanning, Finn Allen (wk), Aaron Hardie, Cooper Connolly, Ashton Turner (c), Nick Hobson, Ashton Agar, Matthew Spoors, Mahli Beardman, Jason Behrendorff, Lance Morris
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