The Perth Scorchers secured top spot in the Big Bash League despite a dramatic one-run loss in Wednesday night’s clash with the Sydney Sixers at the SCG.

The Sixers seemed to have the victory comfortably in their hands when the Scorchers needed seven off the last two balls.

But Brett Lee (0-35) dramatically bowled a no-ball and a wide to leave the Scorchers just five short of their victory target of 177 still with two balls remaining.

In the end though the Sixers held their nerve and ran out Scorchers captain Marcus North for 59 as he tried to score a run to level the scores off the final delivery in a stunning finish in front of a healthy crowd of 20,400.

Despite the defeat the Scorchers had already reached the 168 needed to take top spot on the ladder and secure a home semi-final.

The Sixers’ win was tempered by a horror night for embattled Test wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, who made a second ball duck and dropped North when the Scorchers skipper was on 29.

The Sixers are certain to finish in the top four but won’t know their sem-final opponents until the conclusion of Thursday’s match between the fifth-placed Melbourne Stars and Adelaide.

North’s 69-run fourth-wicket stand with fellow veteran Simon Katich (31 off 26) came at a crucial time for the Scorchers after Test quick Mitchell Starc (3-29) had ripped through their top-order.

The 21-year-old left-armer, who is hoping to retain his starting position for next week’s fourth Test in Adelaide, dismissed international team-mate Shaun Marsh (18), Marsh’s little brother Mitchell (0) and then former England international Paul Collingwood (2) in five balls to leave the Scorchers 3-34.

The Sixers’ innings was highlighted by a 25-ball 51 from Steve Smith, while young gun Nic Maddinson chipped in with 49 before falling to evergreen spinner Brad Hogg (2-22).

Smith’s eventful knock, which featured three sixes, came to an end at the hands of impressive paceman Nathan Coulter-Nile who continued his solid tournament by claiming 3-38 off four overs.

© AAP 2012