Scorchers win third BBL title

The Perth Scorchers claimed their third Big Bash League title after completing a nine wicket victory over the Sydney Sixers.
The Sixers found themselves on the back foot early on when Ashton Turner claimed the wicket of Daniel Hughes (8) in his first and ultimately only over to leave the Sydney outfit 9 for 1.
It was a fantastic day for Jhye Richardson who picked up 3 for 30 in his four overs but before that he was involved in the run out of Nic Maddinson (1).
Mitchell Johnson put in yet another fanstastic shift for the Scorchers taking 1 for 13 from his four overs and stunting the Sixers start picking up the scalp of Michael Lumb (5).
In the space of two overs, the 10th and 12th of the innings Richardson tore out the Sixers middle order leaving them 80 for 6 after the loss of Moises Henriques (21), Brad Haddin (38) and Jordan Silk (3).
Tim Bresnan knocked back an attempted recovery from Johan Botha (32) after snapping up Sean Abbott (5) and Ben Dwashuis (9)
Aussie Test bowlers Nathan Lyon (9) and Jackson Bird took the Sixers to 141 for 9 in twenty overs.
In reply Michael Klinger (71 not out) played a sublime knock as he stretched his record as the Big Bash League’s alltime leading runscorer.
Wicketkeeper batsman Sam Whiteman blitzed 41 off just 21 balls smashing three sixes and five fours before Lyon had him stumped.
That would be the only wicket the Scorchers would lose as the old professionals Ian Bell (31 not out) and Klinger guided the Perth outfit to yet another title.
Klinger said after the win: “Some times the risks come off. 140 can be a tricky target. We just thought that we’ll come out here and take the game away. Whiteman was unbelievable in the first three-four overs, but our bowlers set this up for us. Our coaching staff is second to none. What a way to possibly send off the furnace here!”
Star bowler Johnson has put an end to rumours he would accept a call up to the Australia T20I team: “Pretty awesome. It brings back old memories. Two best teams played the final, they were a tough opposition who seem to play their best in the final, but the last two games have been amazing.
“I’m enjoying it, loving it. Four overs and done. I’ve hardly batted. I was just asked to go out bowl and have fun, that is exactly what I have done. You always think about coming out of retirement. Playing here, I had fun, but I don’t think I will play international cricket again. That’s done and dusted. I’m just enjoying playing here.”
Defeated skipper Henriques said: “They came out firing, got on top of us early. We got a partnership, but they just kept taking wickets throughout. Great effort to make a grand final, we won a few close battles but couldn’t get over tonight. Apologies, we couldn’t put on a better show.”
Man of the match Richardson was delighted saying: “Very happy. Speechless, this is a new experience but this is a special moment.
“Being able to fast-track my cricket and ask questions I haven’t been able to ask before is special.”
Latest
-
News
Keith Barker blows away Somerset to help Hampshire to victory
The visitors needed just one run in their second innings to seal victory.
-
News
Craig Overton claims 400th first-class wicket in Somerset-Hampshire clash
The England seamer’s three-wicket burst left the contest delicately balanced at the halfway stage.
-
News
Three positive Covid tests confirmed in New Zealand’s tour party
Batter Henry Nicholls, seamer Blair Tickner and bowling coach Shane Jurgensen will self-isolate for five days.
-
News
Zak Crawley outdone by Ben Compton as Kent start strongly at Northamptonshire
Opener Compton stole the show with an unbeaten 125.
-
News
Mark Wood admits frustration over slow progress from elbow surgery
Wood is targeting a Test return towards the back end of the summer.
-
News
McCullum hopes ‘attractive brand of Test cricket’ can see red-ball game thrive
New head coach Brendon McCullum is looking to transform England’s fortunes.
-
News
Effects of lockdown on bowlers may be playing part in spate of stress fractures
In the past week Jofra Archer, Saqib Mahmood and Matthew Fisher have all been ruled out for the season with lower back injuries.
-
News
Ben Stokes to be subject of Amazon documentary created by Sam Mendes
The 30-year-old will open up on his World Cup and Headingley heroics as well as his off-the-field troubles.
-
News
Jofra Archer setback adds to England’s fast bowling injury crisis
Saqib Mahmood, Jofra Archer and Matthew Fisher have all been ruled out for the season this week.
-
News
England bowler Jofra Archer sidelined for the summer after injury setback
Archer has suffered a stress fracture of the lower back.