BBL 5 Match 17 Review: Scorchers prove too hot to handle for the Sixers

Perth Scorchers completely dominated the Sydney Sixers in a low scoring match as they beat Sixers by 9 wickets. The decision to bat first after winning the toss turned out to be a wrong decision as Scorchers bowlers were at their best as they tumbled out the Sixers for a functional total of 112.

The start wasn’t very exciting as Ed Cowan was cleaned bowled by Davis Willey in the second over. Nic Maddinson and Michael Lumb then batted for a 26 runs second wicket partnership in which Maddinson contributed only a single run before he became Willey’s second victim. Silk and Botha also couldn’t do anything special but Lumb continued adding runs to the scoreboard. He found support in Carters with whom he shared a 34 runs stand.

However, the partnership was brought to an end after Michael Lumb, hit one straight into the hands of the mid-on fielder. He batted well for his 47 runs. Dwarshuis (13 runs from 11 balls) contributed some important runs. But, he too fell in the 18th over. There were no special efforts by the tail-enders and could not do anything special. Eventually, the Sixers could manage only 112 after batting out the 20 over.

The target was effortless but it was anticipated that the Sixers bowlers can also take advantage of the green top. The chase looked as smooth as butter for the Perth Scorchers. The fiery pair of Michael Klinger and Shaun Marsh began the chase. Just a couple of days back, the pair had just thrashed Melbourne Renegades and chased down the challenging target of 171 runs. And, they started from where they ended the Renegades game, scoring at a quick pace.

A hit to the fence in almost every over had become a norm for Marsh and Klinger. The fifty for the Scorchers was brought as Marsh in the 8th over after he smoked off-spinner Somerville for a six at long-on. Both the batsmen did not try to be very recklessly aggressive and batted smartly keeping in mind the incompetent target. However, a second consecutive 10-wicket win was denied as the Sixers finally got a wicket in the form of Michael Klinger. Klinger did not manage to middle a pull shot and handed a pretty easy catch to the fine-leg fielder. This wicket broke the 62 runs opening stand.

But, Marsh was unaffected as he struck two delightful boundaries off the following deliveries. He was joined by Marcus Harris who also batted in the same groove striking the ball hard and finding boundaries regularly. The 48 runs need to win when Klinger was dismissed were blown off within the next five overs to come by the duo to register a 9-wicket victory. This splendid win has taken the Perth Scorchers to the top of the table.

Brief Scores:

Sydney Sixers: 112/8 in 20 overs (Michael Lumb 47; David Willey 3/22)

Perth Scorchers: 114/ 1 in 14.3 overs (Shaun Marsh 63; Sean Abbott 1/11)

Man of the Match: David Willey