Twitter Reactions: Perth Scorchers make Melbourne Stars wait for a semi-final berth

Matt Kelly and Nathan Courter Nile picked up three wickets each.

Published - 03 Feb 2019, 19:27 IST | Updated - 03 Feb 2019, 19:27 IST

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The Melbourne Stars had the chance of qualifying for the semis in this edition’s Big Bash League (BBL) in their match against cellar dwellers Perth Scorchers. However, the Glenn Maxwell-captained team lost by 27 runs and it meant that they need to win one of their next two matches to qualify. Most importantly, Stars’ loss kept Brisbane Heat, Sydney Thunder and Adelaide Strikers alive in the T20 tournament.

Turner turns it on

After the Stars decided to field first after winning the toss at the Perth Stadium, the Scorchers took the bowling by the scruff of its neck and racked up 182 for three. Josh Inglis and Michael Klinger put on 47 from 31 balls for the opening wicket. Jackson Bird nipped out Inglis to pick up the first Scorchers’ wicket. Klinger didn’t go hammer and tongs but ensured that the scoreboard keeps ticking with 30 from 31.

Liam Plunkett got rid of the experienced campaigner in the 12th over. Nevertheless, skipper, Ashton Turner took the onus on himself and racked up 69 runs from 42 balls with seven fours and three hits over the ropes. He stitched together a useful stand of 87 with wicketkeeper Cameron Bancroft, who remained not out on 44 from 27 balls with a four and two sixes. Turner was dismissed by Adam Zampa.

Stoinis and Maxwell’s efforts in vain

The run-chase didn’t start on a happy note for the Stars as Nathan Courter Nile accounted for the wickets of Ben Dunk and Nic Maddinson. Nevertheless, Marcus Stoinis and captain Maxwell didn’t die wondering and cobbled together a stand of 106 runs from 70 balls to keep their team in contention for a victory. While Maxwell racked up 61 from 40, Stoinis ended with 49 with seven scorching boundaries.

Unfortunately, both perished in a space of three deliveries and the Stars’ hopes of winning took a massive dent. Nic Maddinson and Seb Gotch wielded the bat to score 16 each, but the required run rate kept escalating at an alarming rate. Fast bowler Matt Kelly impressed with three wickets, conceding only 31 runs. Nathan Courter Nile also showed nerves of steel to get three wickets in his four-over spell.

Here is how Twitter reacted

@rajasthanroyals fans after watching *that* @Ashtonturner_70 innings 👀
69 off 42 for @ScorchersBBL #HallaBol pic.twitter.com/DHDkkSjKOY
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) February 3, 2019

Another excellent innings from Ashton Turner. Really should be on every county shopping list for the summer. #cricket #BBL
— Ian Bounds (@ibounds73) February 3, 2019

Great knock from @Ashtonturner_70 tonight. He is such an exciting talent. There’s not many around that strike the pill as sweetly as he does when he gets the engine ticking over. Some great big Tommy Mixers🙌🏻🙌🏻 #BBL08 #ScorchersStars Go Scorchers🔥🔥🔥🔥
— David Shortte (@Shortte) February 3, 2019

@Ashtonturner_70 knocking the selection door quite heavily. He richly deserve to be in White ball Aussie team. @ShaneWarne @MichaelVaughan @MClarke23 @juniorwaugh349 What you guys say ?
— Naeem Khan (@nkhanlive) February 3, 2019

This is some innings so far from @Ashtonturner_70 so controlled early on but has put the foot down now and finding the boundary with ease. 61 (38) #MADETOUGH #BBL08
— Ryan Gillatt (@Gillattsix) February 3, 2019

Ashton Turner has got to be knocking on the door for a limited overs middle order call up to the Australian team. The bloke is in sublime form and it's not all brute force. He manipulates the 1s + 2s very well also. Essential skill in ODI cricket! #BBL08
— Anthony Morgan (@anthfieg1) February 3, 2019

When did Ashton Turner become AB – he has been epic this tournament 😂😂 #BBL08
— Lee Nallalingham (@LeeBravado) February 3, 2019

Ashton Turner just seems to be able to generate enormous power. It's impressive. #BBL08
— James Foster (@jfoster88) February 3, 2019

Ashton Turner is a player. Great tournament to date. #BBL08
— Zach Fisher (@zf_30) February 3, 2019

Thanks to 69 from 42 balls, Ashton Turner is the #BBL08 @dream11 Fantasy MVP of the Game.
Did you pick him? Make sure you get your team in for the next matches – awesome daily prizes up for grabs HERE! https://t.co/yGupSeiMWc pic.twitter.com/XsgTPrtag2
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) February 3, 2019