Twitter erputs as the Perth Scorchers pull off a stellar runchase

T20 cricket was at its breathtaking best as the Perth Scorchers’ scintillating run in the tournament as 2018 kick-started on a thrilling note. The Scorchers were down and out during the run chase and they never looked in a good position to go all the way. But eventually, the experience of Michael Klinger and a professional performance from Ashton Agar saw them through the Sidney Sixers.

Batting first, the Sydney Sixers got off to a decent start despite losing a wicket very early. Peter Nevill and Nic Maddinson steadied the ship initially and after them, Jordan Silk played a blinder. Although it wasn’t the easiest of tracks to bat, they managed to post a decent total towards the end thanks to a good cameo towards the end from Sam Billings.

They posted 167 runs on the board losing just four wickets. David Willey was the pick amongst the bowlers who returned with figures of 2/30. Jordan Silk remained unbeaten on 45 off 33 balls and was the best performer with the bat for the Sixers. Experts touted them to go all the way and clinch their first win of the season going by this performance.

Destiny favors the brave

Talk about fairytale stuff, 2018 kick-started with two amazing stories. Vidarbha winning the Ranji Trophy will remain a talking point for some time and the other came from the Perth Scorchers’ senior pro Michael Klinger. After deciding to stay out of the tournament initially to accompany his wife who is battling cancer, he made an emotional return a few days ago.

He played a tremendous inning under pressure after the Scorchers lost two early wickets. Klinger and Ashton Agar collaborated brilliantly to stitch a huge 96-run stand for the 3rd wicket. Agar eventually fell just before getting to his fifty, but Klinger powered his way to an outstanding 83 off 51 balls, justifying his status as a reliable player in the shortest format.

There was some drama in the final over and somehow, the equation came down to 9 runs in the final over. Sean Abbott made an absolute meal out of the situation and bowle a horrendous delivery to concede 5 wides. Adam Voges then hit a huge six to finish the game off in style, which meant the Scorchers won four games in four whilst the Sixers continued their horrendous run.

Sean Abbott has bowled 64 balls in the 20th over in his career and conceded 143 runs from them at an economy rate of 13.40 runs per over. He has bowled the last over in the second innings three times and ended up on the losing team each time. #BBL07

— The Cricket Prof. (@CricProf) January 1, 2018

Ridiculous win again by @ScorchersBBL@maxyklinger you star

You can never ever count them out#BBL07

— W.A.Dad (@grazinggoat66) January 1, 2018

Seriously though, how the hell does Perth continue to produce young talent like Davis?
Scorchers were playing without 7 key players and they still won.
Time for another team from Perth? #BBL07

— Sakun Sankalana ⚓️ (@Sakun_SD) January 1, 2018

When batting in the second innings for Perth Scorchers Michael Klinger has an average of 48.90 – compared to 33.00 in the first innings. In matches that the Scorchers win Klinger averages 64.12 in the second innings – compared to 34.44 in the first innings. #BBL07

— #INDvSL #ASHES #BPL (@UrduPtvSports) January 1, 2018

. @maxyklinger is a pure genius. This man never gets older. What a player!! Treat to watch him play in @BBL ? #BBL07

— vagabond (@TeaserTweets) January 1, 2018

Abbott is as bad as Cutting but at least the Heat have learnt from their mistakes ffs #BBL07

— RickyV??? (@trickyricky_12) January 1, 2018

So if you missed it the Scorchers won it thanks to some wayward final over bowling from Sean Abbott.

5 wides then a top edge six was not the finish the Sixers needed but it means the Scorchers stay top of the #BBL07 ladder.

— TheGrandstandView (@Thegstandview) January 1, 2018

Can we let Klinger just play cricket now we all know what his wife is battling I’m sure he or the family doesn’t need reminding every time he’s interviewed on the #BBL07

— Mitch (@M_1tch) January 1, 2018

#BBL07 @tensporttv never mind the Bash Brothers – how about the Tonk Twins: Klinger and Turner

— Roger Mellie (@RogerMellie11) January 1, 2018

Probably shouldn’t say this as we want him as much as possible, but how @maxyklinger doesn’t get an @IPL gig every year is beyond me/us #BBL07

— MtLawleyHawks (@hawks_mt) January 1, 2018

We should all take a moment to appreciate just how special that Michael Klinger innings was. Incredible he's even out there playing with everything he's going through. Bravo, Maxy. #BBL07

— Jacob Landsmeer (@jlandsme_93) January 1, 2018

Hope Sean Abbott is doing ok. Was in another world of form last season taking 20 wickets for the Sixers. Definitely not performing to his peak right now #BBL07

— Dylan Piscioneri (@D_lunn) January 1, 2018