BBL 7, Match 7 Review: Hilton's fifty, Tye's fifer leads Perth Scorchers to their second win

The Perth Scorchers managed to record their second win on the trot in the Big Bash League (BBL) season seven after some electrifying performances again by Andrew Tye and Hilton Cartwright along with captain Adam Voges. The Melbourne Stars led by veteran pace bowler John Hastings shrewdly decided to bowl first after winning the toss propelling a bit of uncertainty in the Scorchers squad having enjoyed success while chasing down totals more often than not in the past.

Openers Bosisto and legendary BBL batsman Michael Klinger who made a comeback to the squad after opting out initially in order to aid his wife in her battle against cancer were unable to stitch a partnership. James Faulkner castled an uncertain Bosisto off the 4th delivery of the first over itself. Klinger soon followed him to the pavilion surrendering his wicket to Faulkner yet again with the Scorchers tottering at the score of 9/2.

Michael Beer and James Faulkner wrecked havoc with their variations in line. length and experience sucking all the momentum out of the innings. Captain Voges, Cartwright and Ashton Agar combined together to lead the Scorchers on to a respectable total after the outfit managed to record a very low power play score of 29 due to the sublime performances of the Stars bowlers who never allowed the Scorchers to get back into the game. A total of 142 would have been tough to defend for any T20 franchise but considering the depth and aggression in the Scorchers pace bowling attack, the tie was still wide open.

Andrew Tye’s masterclass rescues the Scorchers

The Stars kicked off their innings on an aggressive note with opener Ben Dunk smacking a full and wide ball through deep backward point for a boundary off the first ball of the opening over bowled by Mitchell Johnson. David Willey was then smacked for a couple of boundaries off his first over by fellow Englishman Luke Wright which indicated the desire to record a rollicking start initially which would further pile pressure on the bowling attack.

Johnson made a comeback in his very next over deceiving Dunk with some impressive swing. Peter Handscomb who came down at No. 3 began his knock on an aggressive note smashing Johnson for a boundary through covers. However, he failed to negotiate the brilliance of Tye who seems incapable of doing anything wrong and castled two wickets off his very first over breaking the backbone of the chasing side.

Glenn Maxwell surrendered meekly off the very next over triggering a collapse and piling increased pressure on the remaining batters. The need for quick runs forced the likes of Stoinis and Quiney to play rash strokes further tilting the game in the Scorchers favour. Faulkner remained unbeaten with a knock of 35 (31) deliveries after running out of suitable partners who could help him chase down the total.

Brief Scores:

Perth Scorchers 142/6 after 20 overs (Cartwright 58, Voges 35; Faulkner 2/19, Beer 1/14)

Melbourne Stars 136/4 after 20 overs ( Faulkner 34; Tye 5/23, Johnson 1/24)

Result: Perth Scorchers win by 13 runs

Man of the Match: Hilton Cartwright