Perth Scorchers clinched the top position on the BBL 15 ladder with a commanding six-wicket victory over Melbourne Stars at Perth Stadium on January 17. In a high-stakes encounter where the winner would earn hosting rights for Tuesday’s Qualifier, the Scorchers bowled superbly to restrict the Stars to just 130 runs before chasing down the target with ease in 16.5 overs.
Cooper Connolly’s dream start with two wickets in the opening over set the tone, while Finn Allen’s authoritative 69 off 39 balls anchored the chase perfectly. The victory means Perth will face either Sydney Sixers or Hobart Hurricanes in the Qualifier, with home advantage firmly in their corner.
Perth Scorchers vs Melbourne Stars Match Summary
| Category | Melbourne Stars (1st Innings) | Perth Scorchers (2nd Innings) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Score | 130/10 (18.2 overs) | 134/4 (16.5 overs) |
| Top Batsman | Marcus Stoinis: 55 (39) [4s-5, 6s-2] | Finn Allen: 69 (39) [4s-2, 6s-7] |
| Top Bowler | Haris Rauf (MLS): 23/3 4 Overs | Jhye Richardson (PRS): 16/4 3.2 Overs |
- Result: Perth Scorchers won by 6 wickets
- Player of the Match: Jhye Richardson
First Innings: Scorchers Strangle Stars with Clinical Bowling Display
| Top Performers | Performance |
|---|---|
| Marcus Stoinis (MLS) | 55 (39) [4s-5, 6s-2] |
| Campbell Kellaway (MLS) | 19 (20) [6s-1] |
| Jhye Richardson (PRS) | 4 wickets |
| Cooper Connolly (PRS) | 2 wickets |
Melbourne Stars suffered a catastrophic start, collapsing to 15/3 within two overs. Cooper Connolly struck twice in the opening over, dismissing Thomas Rogers (8) and Joe Clarke (0) consecutively, while Jhye Richardson removed Sam Harper (6) to leave the visitors reeling.
Marcus Stoinis launched a brave counter-attack with a fighting 55 off 39 balls, featuring five boundaries and two sixes. He partnered with Campbell Kellaway (19) for a crucial 52-run stand that steadied the innings temporarily.
However, once Aaron Hardie broke the partnership and David Payne dismissed Stoinis in the 14th over, the innings collapsed completely. From 100/4, the Stars lost their final six wickets for just 30 runs. Glenn Maxwell (3), Tom Curran (9), and the tail offered little resistance as Jhye Richardson ripped through with a four-wicket haul. The Stars were bundled out for a below-par 130 in 18.2 overs.
Second Innings: Allen Anchors Clinical Chase as Scorchers Cruise Home
| Top Performers | Performance |
|---|---|
| Finn Allen (PRS) | 69 (39) [4s-2, 6s-7] |
| Aaron Hardie (PRS) | 37* (36) |
| Mitchell Marsh (PRS) | 12 (8) [4s-2] |
| Haris Rauf (MLS) | 3 wickets |
Perth’s chase started nervously as Haris Rauf struck thrice to reduce them to 33/3, dismissing Mitchell Marsh (12), Cooper Connolly (2), and Josh Inglis (1) in quick succession. However, Finn Allen took complete control, producing a masterclass innings of 69 off 39 balls with seven massive sixes and two boundaries. He formed a match-winning 96-run partnership with Aaron Hardie (37*), who played the perfect supporting role.
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The pair rotated strike efficiently and never looked rushed, capitalizing on loose deliveries and benefiting from a couple of dropped chances. Despite Rauf’s exceptional spell of 3 wickets, the rest of the Stars’ bowling attack lacked consistency.
Sam Elliott eventually dismissed Allen in the 16th over, but the damage was done. Hardie and Ashton Turner knocked off the remaining runs comfortably, with Hardie sealing victory with a boundary through cover. The six-wicket win with over three overs to spare secured Perth’s top spot and home advantage for Tuesday’s Qualifier in front of a jubilant 48,500-strong crowd.
