In a do-or-die encounter at Perth Stadium, Perth Scorchers triumphed over Adelaide Strikersreturning fourth place in the Big Bash League (BBL) table 2024-25 points.
Adelaide Strikers are stumbling after a promising start
Batting first, the Adelaide Strikers made 161 runs before being bowled out in 19.1 overs. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Liam Scott played a valiant knock of 67 runs off 43 balls, including four boundaries and five maximums. Matthew Short contributed 40 runs off 21 balls, cementing the top order with six boundaries.
However, the rest of the batting line-up faltered under the pressure, with Jason Behrendorff and Mahli Beardman dismantling the Strikers middle and lower order. Behrendorff claimed three wickets for 21 runs, while Beardman leveled the score with a sensational 3/17 from his three overs. Lance Morris chipped in with two crucial wickets despite being expensive, conceding 56 runs.
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Perth Scorchers are chasing calmly
Chasing a target of 162, Perth Scorchers showed composure and depth in their batting. Contributions from Sam Fanning (29 off 20) and Aaron Hardie (28 off 17) laid the foundation for the chase. However, Cooper Connolly’s incredible 39 off 21 balls, including four sixes, turned the tide in favor of the Scorchers.
Adelaide’s bowlers struggled to contain the score, with D’Arcy Short proving to be their best player, picking up 2/37 in 3.2 overs. Brendan Doggett also took a wicket but did not have adequate support Perth completed the chase in just 16.2 overs.
Result
The win not only boosted Perth’s playoff aspirations, but also officially ended the hopes of Adelaide Strikers and Melbourne Renegades in the tournament. The Scorchers are now looking forward to the result of the clash between Melbourne Stars and Hobart Hurricanes. If the Hurricanes win, they will advance to the finals, otherwise the Scorchers will reach the knockout stages.
And just like that…
The @ScorchersBBL enter the last day #BBL14 regular season In the first four 👀 pic.twitter.com/11twg9yHv1
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 18, 2025
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