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Cameron Bancroft stars as Perth Scorchers stay alive after beating Sydney Sixers

Jan 13th, 2019
Cameron Bancroft stars as Perth Scorchers stay alive after beating Sydney Sixers
Jan 13th, 2019

Brilliant knocks from Cameron Bancroft and Ashton Turner have led the Perth Scorchers to an important seven-wicket Big Bash League victory over the Sydney Sixers at Optus Stadium.

The Scorchers asked the Sixers to bat first and the visitors appeared to post a more-than-competitive total of 5-177 in Sunday's clash.

Moises Henriques (38 in 21), Daniel Hughes (36 in 29) and James Vince (28 in 25) all made good contributions before Josh Philippe (19 in 9) and Tom Curran (12 in 7) closed the innings well.

The pressure was on the Scorchers, having won just twice in seven games.

But Bancroft set the tone and, once he was joined by Turner, they looked unstoppable with a 98-run partnership in just 62 balls.

Turner was outstanding with four fours and three sixes but couldn't quite see it through, falling for 60 off 30 deliveries, with his 50 coming in just 22 balls.

Bancroft did see things through however, finishing unbeaten on 87 off 61 balls with eight fours and a six in just his fifth game back from a nine-month ball tampering suspension.

In the end, the Scorchers chased down the 178 for victory having lost just three wickets and with seven balls in hand.

"I just rode the waves of an innings," Bancroft said.

"There were times when it's your time to hit the boundaries and it comes your way, and there's other times when you find it a bit difficult.

"But it was a really good team performance with a few guys chipping in and we got some good partnerships going. That was the main thing."

Cameron Bancroft after his man of the match innings. (AAP)

The match wasn't without a degree of controversy though.

Michael Klinger was out for two in what was actually the seventh ball of the second over in the Scorchers' run chase.

Ben Dwarshuis bowled the seventh delivery with both umpires allowing it, and Klinger hit the short and wide ball right down the throat of Steve O'Keefe at third man.

The low score continued Klinger's tough run of form this BBL season and while it didn't end up costing his side, it had the potential to.

Cricket Australia released a statement following Klinger's dismissal acknowledging the error, but saying nothing could be done.

"It appears there was a miscount of balls in the over and a seventh ball was allowed by umpires," the statement said.

"As the ball was bowled it is deemed live and consequently the decision stands.

"The incident will be followed up in Cricket Australia's general match review process and feedback will of course be taken on board."


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