The Adelaide Strikers have kept their KFC Big Bash League finals hopes alive with a nine-wicket victory over the Perth Scorchers at Adelaide Oval.
An improved bowling performance saw the Strikers restrict the reigning BBL Champions to just 7-153 in the first innings, before a Player of the Match performance by skipper Matt Short (76 not out) and an unbeaten 50 by Chris Lynn saw the home side chase down the total in 16.1 overs.
Short won the bat flip and sent the Scorchers in on a warm summer’s evening in Adelaide.
He then took the ball to begin the match, starting with a close LBW shout on Perth opener Sam Whiteman which on review was going over the stumps, before getting his man the next delivery courtesy of a ricochet from the pads onto the wicket.
The Strikers continued their strong start with the ball, with Henry Thornton removing the dangerous Englishman for eight to help restrict Perth to 2-21 from the opening powerplay.
Skipper Aaron Hardie and wicketkeeper Josh Inglis went about rebuilding the Scorchers’ innings, putting on a critical 60-run stand.
With the game evenly poised approaching the drinks break, Strikers debutant Lloyd Pope stood up, dismissing the Perth captain for 35.
He then doubled the dose in his next over, dismissing a well set Inglis for 39 to have the home side in the box seat.
After pummeling the Strikers just 48 hours prior, Englishman Laurie Evans posed a threat once again, as he and young gun Cooper Connolly looked to take the innings deep.
But some cool death bowling by David Payne (two wickets) and Jamie Overton helped keep the reigning champions to a modest 153.
Adelaide’s Short duo of Matt and D’Arcy came out for the second innings keen to make a statement, and showed their intent in the first powerplay, smashing a season-high 0-55 from the first four overs.
While D’Arcy departed quickly after for 24, Matt continued the charge alongside the experienced Chris Lynn.
The pair were patient in their approach throughout the middle overs, rotating the strike and keeping the required run rate well within check.
Short reached his third straight half century, before hitting the accelerator to reach a classy 76 from 51 deliveries, while Lynn also made it to 50 to cap a dominant nine wicket win for the Strikers.
The Strikers now sit in sixth spot on the ladder ahead of a crunch clash against the Hobart Hurricanes at Adelaide Oval on Tuesday, January 9.
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