Adelaide Strikers stay within the hunt to say a second Large Bash League title after upsetting defending champions Perth Scorchers by 50 runs in a knockout remaining on Saturday, courtesy of an enterprising half-century by Jake Weatherald.
In entrance of a Perth Stadium crowd undeterred by the departure of a slew of gamers to international Twenty20 leagues, the guests overcame a sluggish begin to submit 155-7 from 20 overs earlier than bowling out the Scorchers for 105.
The Strikers now head to the Gold Coast for Monday’s conflict with Brisbane Warmth, with the winner taking part in Sydney Sixers in Wednesday’s grand remaining on the Sydney Cricket Floor.
“This was superior tonight, I really like batting right here. It is simply come off, different occasions it will not, nevertheless it’s simply good enjoyable,” Weatherald informed Fox Cricket after blasting 56 off 32 balls.
On debut, opener Sam Fanning endeared himself to locals with two monstrous sixes in a brisk 31 however the wheels rapidly fell off for the Scorchers, who had been undone by spin as common wickets halted their run-chase.
Strikers captain Matthew Brief (1-31) held on to a surprising one-handed diving catch off his personal bowling to dismiss Nick Hobson (4) and expose the tail, which was mopped up by spinners Lloyd Pope (4-24) and Cameron Boyce (3-20).
The Scorchers season, and the prospect of a 3rd straight title, got here to an finish after 16.2 overs when Boyce had Cooper Connolly (31) caught by James Bazley, juggling on the boundary rope at long-on.Bowling first had paid early dividends for Aaron Hardie (2-24) with Brief, the season’s prime run-scorer, bowled for 13 by a hooping Andrew Tye inswinger because the Strikers slumped to 52-Four of their first 10 overs.
Focusing on the left-arm spin of Ashton Agar, Weatherald fired again with eight fours and two sixes, setting the stage for Henry Thornton (28 not out) and Ben Manenti (23) who ensured the guests produced a successful rating.