January 17, 2024

BBL Champs Stunned in Final-Ball Thriller, Streak Ends After Dramatic Meltdown

The Sydney Sixers secured a double chance in the BBL Finals with a thrilling win over the Perth Scorchers, thanks to a stellar performance by skipper Moises Henriques. The Sixers handed the Scorchers their first defeat at Optus Stadium this year, winning by 3 wickets.

Henriques, 38, played a crucial innings of 47* from 20 balls, including four fours and three sixes. His decisive blow in the final over left the team needing just one run from the last ball, ending the Scorchers’ nine-game home winning streak.

Despite a strong start, the Sixers faced a challenge when veteran quick Jason Behrendorff took two wickets and executed a run-out in a remarkable penultimate over. This saw the Sixers lose 5 wickets for just 5 runs in eight balls. However, Henriques overcame the momentary “panic” and hit a crucial six in the final over, leaving just one run to win off the last ball.

Daniel Hughes led the charge with a quickfire 74 off 43 balls, supported by Josh Philippe (32 off 23 balls) and James Vince (22 off 15 balls), keeping the home crowd subdued as runs kept coming.

Scorchers captain Aaron Hardie’s decision to use only five bowlers proved costly. Lance Morris (0/48), Ashton Agar (0/43), and Andrew Tye (0/42) all went wicketless and conceded over 10 runs per over.

The Sixers will now head to the Gold Coast to face the Brisbane Heat in the Qualifier on Friday night, while the Scorchers will host the Strikers in the Knockout on Sunday evening.

Earlier, English star Laurie Evans dazzled at Optus Stadium in his final BBL game of the season, helping the Scorchers post a formidable total of 4/197 before leaving the team for the finals.

Evans smashed 73 off just 34 balls, featuring 11 fours and three sixes, showcasing his remarkable power hitting.

The Scorchers activated the Power Surge early after a sluggish start. As per their usual strategy when batting first, they capitalized on their wickets and the Power Surge to accelerate their innings.

Following a solid 13 runs in the 12th over, the first of the Power Surge, Evans ignited his attack, blasting 28 runs off Hayden Kerr in the second surge over to keep the momentum going.

“This is a masterclass from Laurie Evans.” Michael Hussey said on Fox Cricket

“He’s almost taunting them now.” Commentator Anthony Hudson added later in the over as Evans sent another six into the grandstand.

It was Evans’ third half-century of the tournament, adding to his earlier explosive 85 off 28 balls against the Strikers.

This innings marked the final appearance of the BBL season for English imports before heading to the ILT20 in Dubai. In his second stint with Perth, Evans totaled 276 runs across seven innings.

A late cameo from young talent Cooper Connolly, last season’s Final hero, saw him score a personal best in the BBL with 37 off 18 balls, helping the Scorchers reach a formidable total of 4/197.

The home side faced a significant setback early on when English star Stephen Eskinazi was forced to retire hurt after being struck on his right hand.

Eskinazi took a blow to his hand in the third over and required medical attention between overs. Despite his attempt to continue, he managed only two more deliveries before retiring in obvious discomfort.

“I think Eskinazi’s in big trouble here’” Mike Hussey said on Fox Cricket

“He’s going to come straight off.”

Eskinazi spent time in the dressing room before rejoining the team dugout. Still, he did not return to the field, so he remains in serious doubt for the Scorchers’ finals series.

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