BBL 13 (Game 42 – Eliminator) – Adelaide Strikers vs Perth Scorchers
In a do or die encounter at the Optus Stadium, the Adelaide Strikers emerged victorious over the Perth Scorchers, making a strong statement in their pursuit of the championship. Jake Weatheralds half century in the first innings helped save the Strikers from near collapse but it was Cameron Boyce and Llyod Pope who did most of the damage in the second innings.
On a challenging surface, the Strikers faced early setbacks after opting to bat first. They found themselves in all sorts of trouble after losing 4 top order batters for just 48 runs around the 9th over. However, a remarkable counterattack led by Jake Weatherald, who contributed with a blistering 56 runs, propelled the Strikers to a fighting total of 155 in 20 overs. Key partnerships in the latter part of the innings, with Benjamin Manenti scoring 23 and Henry Thornton contributing an essential 28*, played a pivotal role aswell.
In response, Perth Scorchers’ innings got off to a promising start with Sam Fanning playing the role of aggressor and Marcus Harris anchoring the debutant. However, the momentum shifted dramatically after Fanning’s departure, triggering a collapse that saw four wickets fall rapidly with just 48 runs on the board. The partnership between Josh Inglis and Cooper Connolly aimed to rebuild, but they could only manage to add 22 runs before falling victim to the Strikers’ spin attack. Lloyd Pope starred with the ball, scalping an impressive 4 wickets, while Cameron Boyce and Matthew Short also made significant contributions, taking 3 and 1 wickets respectively. The collective bowling effort, combined with solid fielding, saw Perth Scorchers bundled out for a mere 105 in 16.2 overs.
This comprehensive victory propels Adelaide Strikers into the next phase of the competition, while Perth Scorchers bid farewell, ending their campaign with this defeat. The Strikers showcased exceptional control in the middle phase, with spin proving to be the decisive factor. As they advance, the Strikers will look to carry this momentum into the upcoming stages, eyeing a potential championship title.
Chief Scores :
Adelaide Strikers – 155 for 7 in 20 overs (Jake Weatherald 56, Henry Thornton 28*, Benjamin Manenti 23, Cooper Connolly 2 for 17, Aaron Hardie 2 for 24, Andrew Tye 1 for 25)
Perth Scorchers – 105 for 10 in 16.2 overs (Sam Fanning 31, Cooper Connolly 31, Josh Inglis 12, Llyode Pope 4 for 24, Cameron Boyce 3 for 20, Henry Thornton 1 for 6)
