In the Perth Scorchers vs Sydney Sixers Qualifier match of BBL, Perth produced a convincing display of their bowling to defend a low score and seal their grand final to be played on their home ground. Perth made just 147 runs, but their pace-friendly ground helped their cause as they bowled out their opponents for 99 runs within 15 overs.
Mahli Beardman Steals the Spotlight Ahead of International Debut
Emerging fast bowler Mahli Beardman bowled a spell that fully justified his inclusion in the Australia T20I side. He was brought on in the fourth over, when the Sixers were 21/1, but without delay, he turned the tables with his aggressive short-pitched bowling, dismissing Josh Philippe and captain Moises Henriques.
Clocking a speed of around 140 km/h, Beardman regularly bowled well. The highlight of his innings came when he removed Steven Smith with a sharp short-pitched delivery that induced a mis-timed pull shot, which was caught at fine leg. The wicket proved to be a turning point in the Perth Scorchers and Sydney Sixers match.
Steven Smith Fights Alone as Sixers Collapse
In response to 148, the Sydney Sixers were heavily banking on Steven Smith, who extended his scintillating BBL form with a fluent 37 off 24 balls. Smith counterattacked bravely, striking crisp boundaries and a six, while receiving negligible support around him as wickets kept falling.
The Sixers struggled to 23/3, and although Smith hammered some resistance, the pressure from the Scorchers’ bowling attack was just too much. His wicket to Beardman sparked a collapse that brought roars of approval from the partisan Perth crowd.
Starc vs Allen: Fireworks in the Powerplay
Earlier, the game had promised to be a real treat when Mitchell Starc was coming up against explosive opener Finn Allen. It was hot, nearing 40C, but any semblance of heat in the atmosphere was missing, until briefly, when Allen launched Starc for six after a cautious start.
However, Starc had contributed with the wicket of Mitchell Marsh and also bowled with his usual pace and aggression. Allen started slowly but scored 49 off 30 deliveries before being out to Ben Dwarshuis, just one run shy of his second consecutive half-century.
Scorchers’ Batting Struggles Against Disciplined Six
The Scorchers struggled to score in their rearranged batting order. Cooper Connolly, playing after being announced as the Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year, showed promising glimpses but got out too soon. Aaron Hardie, batting at No. 3, struggled for any rhythm, scoring only 17 runs off 19 deliveries.
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The bowlers of Sydney were able to execute slower deliveries, and that limited their chances of hitting boundaries. However, a significant partnership of 44 runs between their captain, Ashton Turner, and Jhye Richardson helped Perth to reach a respectable score.
Perth Scorchers vs Sydney Sixers: A Rivalry for the Ages
It was their 10th final-stage meeting, between two franchises that have taken eight BBL titles between them. And the rivalry duly delivered high-quality cricket once more.
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