Perth Scorchers v Sydney Sixers, live coverage, start time, how to watch, team lists
Perth Scorchers confirmed their status as arguably the BBL’s greatest team after claiming a record-extending sixth title with a crushing six-wicket win over Perth arch-rivals Sydney Sixers.
In front of 55,018 fans – setting a new record for a Scorchers home game – England pacer David Payne (3-18) and Jhye Richardson (3-32) starred as the Sixers struggled to 132 points at Optus Stadium.
Scorchers lift the BBL trophy.Credit: Getty Images
Perth achieved the victory target with 15 balls to spare, thanks to solid innings from Mitch Marsh (44 off 43 balls) and Finn Allen (36 off 22 balls) in the opener. Josh Inglis (29 off 26) hit the winning run with a massive six in the 18th over as the Scorchers finished the match on 4-133.
Sunday’s grand final marked the sixth time the Scorchers and Sixers have met in the last 15 seasons, with Perth holding a 4-2 advantage in those games. In total, the Scorches have won six titles in nine grand finals, with the Sixers the next best team with three trophies from the eight deciders.
“This gives you goosebumps,” Richardson said Fox Sports After the match. “55,000 of the best fans, I love the Perth Scorchers. We’re so lucky to have been so successful. It’s been a great season. On top of that, it’s a good feeling.”
Sixers opener Steve Smith appeared to be the danger man in Sunday’s heavyweight match, but the Scorchers successfully used the review in the sixth over to send him packing LBW for 24 off 13 balls at the hands of Aaron Hardie (1-16 from three overs). After Smith left, Sydney struggled with any fluency; Josh Philippe (24 from 24), Moises Henriques (24 from 27) and Joel Davies (19 from 14) were all unable to continue.
Steve Smith hasn’t had the same impact as in recent games.Credit: Getty Images
As Payne and Richardson wreaked havoc, two-plus Power Surges in the 15th and 16th innings gave the Sixers a disastrous 3-10 comeback.
Payne thought he had secured his fourth wicket later in the innings with a dazzling diving catch off Cooper Connolly on the boundary; The rising star managed to slide herself towards the rope. However, replays showed Connolly grounded the ball at the end of the slide, earning Jack Davies a reprieve on 13 despite having walked off the pitch.
The boos were intense as Scorchers fans aired their grievances, but the jeers turned into a loud roar when Richardson put Davies on for 19 points.
Marsh and Allen made light work of the run chase, scoring 80 runs in 8.1 overs to send the Scorchers on their way, with Jack Edwards’ stunning one-handed catch being the only real highlight for the visitors.
AAP
