SCO vs HEA: Perth Scorchers overpowers Brisbane Heat to secure top spot

SCO vs HEA: Defiant Perth Scorchers outplayed the struggling Brisbane Heat in their last pool stage fixture by eight wickets. With this, defending champions Perth Scorchers accelerate their lead in the incumbent championship and now surged to the top spot in the standings.

Winning the toss at the iconic Gabba Stadium, Perth Scorchers skipper Ashton Turner made an exemplary decision to bowl first. Batting first, Brisbane Heat failed to build partnerships and put up a decent 155/6 run total in their first innings of 20 overs.

Brisbane Heat was off to a sluggish start after they lost ace frontline batsmen Josh Brown (18) and Marnus Labuschagne (10) in the power play itself. Usman Khawaja (28) and Matt Renshaw (27) played decent knocks but failed to capitalize on their innings.

In the conclusive stage of the innings, Max Bryant (36) and Jimmy Pierson (26) put up a vital 62-run stand to anchor a rescue and help Brisbane edge past the 150-run mark.

For Perth Scorchers, Jason Behendorff (3/21) starred in the bowling attack with his solid spell. Matthew Kelly (2/17) was also splendid in his performance whereas Andrew Tye (1/38) chipped in a wicket apiece.

Hardie-Inglis 132 run stand guides Scorchers to a thrilling win

Chasing a modest total of 156 runs, Perth Scorchers were off to a nightmare start losing their openers Stephen Eskinazi (11) and Cameron Bancroft (6) in the initial stage of the run chase. However, in-form batsman Aaron Hardie (65) and Josh Inglis (67) put up an incredible unbeaten stand of 132 runs to take Scorchers through to a comfortable victory in just 16.2 overs.

For Brisbane Heat, Matthew Kunhemann (1/32) and Xavier Bartlett (1/31) grabbed a wicket apiece. However, their efforts went in vain as Scorchers ruthlessly smashed the other bowlers to stage a decisive victory.

Perth Scorchers will now take on Sydney Thunders in their upcoming fixture on Friday whereas Brisbane Heat will take on Adelaide Strikers to regain their lost prestige. Brisbane is currently struggling at the seventh position and will have to win all the games from here in order to qualify.