Big Bash League: Scorchers scorch Sixers to lift third crown

Defeat Sydney side by nine wickets to clinch title

Perth Scorchers literally scorched Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League (BBL) final on Saturday as they romped to a nine-wicket win over their opponents at the WACA Ground in Perth.

Man of the match Jhye Richardson laid the foundation for the win as he claimed crucial wickets of captain Moises Henriques and Brad Haddin, just when the duo had started to threaten, to finish with figures of 3-30.

Tim Bresnan supported Richardson with a three-for of his own, while Mitchell Johnson and Ashton Turner also claimed a wicket apiece.

Asked to bat first, Sixers were off to a terrible start as they were reduced to 17-3 by the third over with openers Daniel Hughes (eight), Michael Lumb (five) and Nic Maddinson (one) unable to handle Scorchers’ heat.

Henriques (21) and Haddin (38) then steadied the ship but once Richardson claimed their wickets, it all went downhill from there.

The duo were involved in a 57-run stand and it was only their efforts which allowed Sixers to post a respectable total as all other batsmen, except for the resilient Johan Botha who added 32 runs to the total, couldn’t even manage to get into double figures.

In reply, the Scorchers reached the target with 4.1 overs to spare as openers Sam Whiteman (41) and Michael Klinger (71) combined to register a 75-run opening stand and once the former was dismissed in the eight over, Klinger combined with Ian Bell, who made 31, to comfortably reach the 142-run target.

Nathan Lyon was the only bowler for the Sixers to get among the wickets.

Klinger credited the bowlers for the win. “Sometimes 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.”

Watch as batsman hits last-ball six to win the match in Australia’s Big Bash League

Henriques appreciated the Scorchers’ bowling display and said that he and his side were caught unawares. “They came out firing and 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.”

Richardson, meanwhile, was ecstatic at being able to put in a good performance in the final. “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."