Published: Jan 25, 2015, 04:52 PM (IST)
Edited: Jan 25, 2015, 05:05 PM (IST)
Perth Scorchers beat the Melbourne Stars by 18 runs to reach the final of the Big Bash League. Andrew Tye and Nathan Coulter-Nile struck colossal blows in the middle overs to tilt the balance of the second semi final in the favour of the scorchers. By virtue of this win Scorchers have made it to yet another Big Bash League final. Tye was the pick of the Scorchers bowlers. Scorchers will meet the Sydney Sixers in the final.
Cameron White and Luke Wright ensured Stars laid a decent foundation as they played out the powerplay overs without any damage. The run-rate maintained was constantly over six runs an over, and considering the original required rate wasn’t too far over seven, it was a reasonable start in pursuit of a modest 145. White was dismissed in the seventh over of the innings. Yasir Arafat struck for the scorchers in his first over.
The ideal man for the big occasion replaced him at the crease. Kevin Pietersen batted with a lot of purpose from the outset. A switch hit off Brad Hogg that went for six stood out. At the other end Luke Wright failed to convert a promising start as he was dismissed miscuing a pull shot that went straight up to be gobbled by Adam Voges as Andrew Tye struck. Tye wasn’t done yet as he followed it up with the wicket of Peter Handscomb who meekly guided a length ball to first slip. That left the match tantalisingly poised with the Melbourne Stars losing their way a little at 70 for three. Scorchers were all were Stars like a bad rash from that point. Rob Quiney was next to go and Pietersen flattered to deceive. Coulter-Nile’s timely strikes had set the cat among the pigeons. Wickets fell left right and center as Stars wilted under pressure to be bowled out for 126 in the final over.
Earlier, Scorchers won the toss and decided to bat. Scorchers have made it to all Big Bash League finals previously. In their earlier Rendezvous Stars beat Scorchers by three wickets at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The scorchers innings failed to gather momentum at any stage. The powerplay and death overs were wasted as crucial wickets preceded them. The openers were lost within the powerplay where as a set Shaun Marsh and Michael Carberry were dismissed one after the other between the 13th and the 15th over. Scorchers managed 45 runs from over number 14 to 19 but Clint McKay bowled an excellent final over which was a maiden.
Brief scores:
Perth Scorchers 144 for seven in 20 overs ( Michael Carberry 50; John Hastings 3 for 27) beat Melbourne Stars 126 in 19.5 overs (Luke Wright 31; Andrew Tye 4 for 18) by 18 runs
