Left Arm Around

A Zak Crawley fifty and a cameo from Josh Inglis propelled Perth Scorchers to a 7 wicket win over Sydney Thunders at Spotless Stadium.

After losing the toss and being put into the bat, the Thunder started cautiously before Cameron Bancroft was ran out for a sluggish 12 off 19 balls.

English pair Alex Hales and Tom Kohler Cadmore countered to build an excellent second-wicket partnership of 53 in five overs, however Kohler Cadmore was involved in an awful mix-up with Hales to send him packing for 27.

Matt Gilkes was then bowled by Ashton Agar for a duck and Oliver Davies departed for 4; the third run-out of the innings as the 23 year-old was left way short of his ground in yet another dramatic Hales mix-up.

Reeling at 94-4 in the 14th, the lower-hitting prowess of Ross, Sams and Green couldn’t get going on a slow, tired pitch as the hosts finished their innings on a disappointing 137-8.

Ashton Agar was outstanding in collecting 2-6 across his 4 overs- the second most economical figures in the history of BBL Cricket.

Fellow left-arm spinner Cooper Connolly was also impressive as she snaffled 3-25, including the huge wicket of Hales for 72, the Thunder unable to exert any real pressure while the Scorchers remained disciplined on a turning pitch.

The Scorchers began watchfully in reply, Crawley picking the gaps and crunching a number of beautiful boundaries to get the scoreboard ticking along.

Sam Whiteman soon departed for 10 as he edged Chris Green behind; captain Aaron Hardie then joining Crawley in the middle.

The pair combined for a methodical partnership of 44 in 39 deliveries, Hardie in particular looking to work the gaps and nudge the ball around rather than taking the ultra-aggressive approach.

Nathan McAndrew returned to dismiss him for a run-a-ball 22 when a top-edge nestled in Alex Ross’ hands, however Inglis and Crawley continued to move smartly towards their target.

Crawley was later dismissed for a brilliant 58 as he looked to ramp McAndrew over fine-leg, yet any renewed hope was short-lived, Inglis smoking Sams for 10 off two balls as he hit consecutive boundaries over the off-side in the second over of the power surge.

Another six followed as Inglis powered McAndrew deathly straight for six and the Scorchers required just two off the final over for victory.

The two points were then sealed as in-form Laurie Evans found the mid-wicket boundary.

Victory for Perth Scorchers leaves them on 11 points from seven fixtures and almost certain of a place in the play-offs.

Sydney Thunder sit seventh with three points from seven fixtures, their solitary win coming against Melbourne Stars.