BBL 12 Final: Stamping their authority in Australia's Big Bash League, Perth Scorchers on Saturday became the most successful BBL side after they defended their title for second time in BBL history. Ashton Turner's side won the nail-biter by 5 wickets as they chased down the target of 176 runs in the final over. Turner starred in the chase and for his match-winning 53 off 32 balls, the Scorchers' captain was adjudged as the player of the match.
The Perth Scorchers have won their fifth title in the league. They were also the defending champions and are the only team to have defended their title two times. The Perth side was also the winner in 2013-14 and 2014-15. Apart from them, Sydney Sixers are the only other team to defend their title once in 2020-21.
The final at the Perth Stadium was full of tight action as the two teams gave it their all for the coveted domestic title. Opting to bat first, Brisbane amassed 175/7 in 20 overs as contributions came from most of their batting order. Josh Brown and Heazlett gave them a good start, while McSweeney played the anchor role. Meanwhile, Max Bruant helped his side finish well as his side took the momentum.
The chase was also like a pendulum as both sides had their share of moments. Stephen Eskinazi and Cameron Bancroft provided a start but could not carry on as Brisbane jolted their opposition side. but Ashton Turner stood tall. He walked into bat when his side was at 54/3 after 7.5 overs. He anchored the chase and hit a fifty. In the end, Nick Hobson and Cooper Connolly took Perth over the line.
Perth Scorchers' Playing XI:
Stephen Eskinazi, Cameron Bancroft, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis (wk), Ashton Turner (c), Nick Hobson, Cooper Connolly, Andrew Tye, David Payne, Jason Behrendorff, Matthew Kelly
Brisbane Heat Playing XI:
Sam Heazlett, Josh Brown, Nathan McSweeney, Sam Hain, Jimmy Peirson (c & wk), Max Bryant, Michael Neser, James Bazley, Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson, Matthew Kuhneman
