The Perth Scorchers confirmed their status as the BBL’s undisputed biggest franchise after sealing their record-extending sixth title with a crushing six-wicket win over arch-rivals Sydney Sixers in Perth.
England paceman David Payne (3-18) and Jhye Richardson (3-32) starred in front of 55,018 fans, who set a new record for a Scorchers home match, as the Sixers were bowled out by 132 runs at a swinging Optus Stadium.
The Scorchers lift the BBL trophy.Credit: Getty Images
Perth reached the winning target with 15 balls to spare on the back of solid knocks from openers Mitch Marsh (44 off 43 balls) and Finn Allen (36 off 22 balls). Josh Inglis (29 off 26) scored the winning runs with a big six in the 18th over as the Scorchers finished on 4-133.
Sunday’s grand final marked the sixth time in 15 seasons that the Scorchers and Sixers have met in the decider, with Perth now holding a 4-2 advantage in those meetings. Overall, the Scorches have six titles from nine Grand Final appearances, with the Sixers the next best franchise with three crowns from eight deciders.
“It gives you goosebumps,” Richardson said Fox Sports after the match. “55,000 of the best fans, I love the Perth Scorchers. We’ve been so lucky to be so successful. It’s been a great season. It feels good to go with it all.”
Sixers opener Steve Smith loomed as the danger man in Sunday’s heavyweight match, but the Scorchers capitalized on the assessment in the sixth over to send him LBW for 24 off 13 balls in the hands of Aaron Hardie (1-16 from three overs). Once Smith departed, Sydney struggled for any fluency, with Josh Philippe (24 off 24), Moises Henriques (24 off 27) and Joel Davies (19 off 14) all unable to get the job done.
Steve Smith didn’t have the impact he has in recent games.Credit: Getty Images
A two-over Power Surge in the 15th and 16th overs produced a dreadful 3-10 comeback for the Sixers as Payne and Richardson wreaked havoc.
Payne thought he had his fourth wicket later in the innings when Cooper Connolly pulled off a stunning diving catch on the boundary – with the rising star managing to stop it sliding into the ropes. However, replays showed Connolly ground the ball at the end of slip, earning Jack Davies a reprieve on 13 despite leaving the field.
The booing was intense as the Scorchers fans aired their grievances, but the jeers then turned into a loud roar when Richardson bowled Davies for 19.
Marsh and Allen made light work of the run chase, piling on 80 runs in 8.1 overs to send the Scorchers on their way, with a stunning one-handed catch from Jack Edwards the only real highlight for the visitors.
AAP
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