PRS vs SYS: Defending Champions Perth Scorchers made a blistering start to their twelfth season of the Australian Big Bash League with a stunning victory against Sydney Sixers at the Optus Stadium here on Saturday. With this, Perth Scorchers seal the second spot in the standings after the end of the first round.
Winning the toss on a cold evening, Perth Scorchers skipper Ashton Turner made a convincing decision to bat first. Batting first, Perth Scorchers witnessed a modest start from the frontline batting attack but the middle-order retaliated strongly to help the side post a decent total of 155/9 in their first innings of 20 overs.
Perth Scorchers lost quick wickets in the form of Lyth (4), Du Plessis (14), Hobson (8), Inglis (13), and Turner (2). As a result, Scorchers were busted with a dominant Sixers frontline bowling attack and they struggled for 49/5 by the end of the power play.
Aaron Hardie (55) came to the rescue alongside Ashton Agar (24) who set a match-winning stand of 71 runs for the sixth wicket. Riding on their vital knocks, Scorchers crossed the much-needed 150-run mark.
For Sydney Sixers, Jackson Bird starred in the bowling attack by registering splendid figures of 3/26. Naveed (2/22) was also terrific in his bowling approach whereas Naveen (1/33), Abbott (1/45), Kerr (1/22), and Christian (⅙) chipped in a wicket apiece.
PRS vs SYS: Scorchers wrapped Sixers innings for a meager 117 runs
Chasing a modest total of 156, Sydney Sixers was completely decimated by a clinical Perth Scorchers bowling attack. The top order failed miserably as Sixers struggled at 31/5 after Patterson (3), Phillips (6), Vince (9), Henriques (0), and Christian (1) failed to make an impression.
Silk (41) and Kerr (42) came to the rescue and anchored a sizzling 75-run stand for the sixth wicket. However, the tailend failed to capitalize on their efforts as Sydney Sixers fell short of 38 runs and bundled out for a mere 117 runs.
For Perth Scorchers, Jhye Richardson was the most cunning and astonishing paceman who single-handedly outplayed Sydney’s batting attack with mind-blowing figures of 4/9. Jason Behendorff (2/22) and Andrew Tye (2/26) claimed a couple of wickets each whereas Kelly (1/31) and Agar (1/27) grabbed a wicket apiece.
