Perth Scorchers take on the Melbourne Stars at the Furnace in what promises to be a cracking semi-final in the Big Bash League. Join me on The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:10pm AEDT.
Ever since the Kalgoorlie gold rushes of the 1890’s, Victorians have been welcomed with open arms by the friendly folk from the west. Not!
Ask any Collingwood or Essendon fan, Western Australians love nothing better than giving cocky Victorians a good hiding. And the Melbourne Stars just ooze cockiness.
The Scorchers have been one of the most consistent BBL clubs, having hosted all three finals. In a baffling decision, Cricket Australia moved the final to Canberra this year seemingly to avoid Perth hosting it again. Nevertheless Perth finished the season second on the ladder and find themselves hosting another playoff match, this time against the Melbourne Stars.
Perth’s bowling lineup has been formidable and they pride themselves on being able to defend any total. In their last outing however, against the Stars in Melbourne, this theory was turned on its head as the talented Stars batting lineup took to their attack, including the generally reliable Brad Hogg. For this match it is expected that Nathan Coulter-Nile will take the field which will give the Scorchers a healthy boost.
Michael Klinger and Shaun Marsh are the big guns in Perth’s batting arsenal. If they get a start expect the sell-out Perth crowd to roar them on to big scores. Klinger is the leading run-scorer of this year’s Bash – his wicket will be a key one for the Stars.
The Melbourne Stars may have turned a corner. Generally loaded with great individual players they have not always clicked as a team when the going gets tough. This year things have been looking up. They have won some real tight matches including the brilliant super over victory against the Sixers as well as the come from the clouds victory against the Scorchers in their last game. That Stars win, featuring a slashing century from the largely unheralded Peter Handscomb, shows great team resilience which was not always apparent in years past.
Keven Pietersen is in good form and is a player who loves the big stage. A Big Bash semi-final would be an appropriate occasion for KP to step up big time. Look out also for big John Hastings to do some damage with the ball as he pushes to be the tournament’s leading wicket taker.
The Furnace is bound to be rocking with what is already officially a sell-out crowd and the fans will know this is a game that will take some winning. Can Klinger continue his fine form or will Pietersen rip it up. Will Perth scorch Melbourne or will the Stars take the gold?
Mo’s tip: Melbourne Stars to upset the home side
Join me on The Roar from 7.10pm (AEDT) for all the action
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Dalgety Carrington
Roar Guru
I think that maiden actually clinched it for the Scorchers. I think Tye was so aghast at his pfaffy shot play stammer across those 6 balls, he swallowed a handful of angry pills and came out and blitzed the Stars with his bowling.
Benjamin Conkey
Editor
Especially after Clint Mckay's maiden..I thought that would be a turning point. Tye bounced back with the ball. Great bowling.
Aussie Opener
Guest
Definitely has class. But when he got in the 30's I just had the feeling ??? He just seems to be the Sam Stosur of cricket ?
Aussie Opener
Guest
Good call Bob!
jamesb
Guest
Yeah, I think S.Marsh should get the gig if Pup doesn't come through.
Aussie Opener
Guest
Well done scorchers ! White, unfortunately is a flat track bully. Not up to quality bowling. This is why I don't think he should be in the Australian side.
Paul Nicholls
Roar Guru
So Perth are through to another Big Bash League final in what was a very tight contest. The Scorchers batsmen never really got going although Carberry played a great hand of 50 off 36 balls in what was a relentless Stars bowling and fielding performance. It was all about D-fence for the Scorchers and they once again were able to defend what was a below par score. Every member of the bowling attack performed with distinction with great backup in the field. For mine, in a low scoring game like this, a bowler must get the man-of-the match nod and the bowler who was the best of a very good bunch was Tye with the figures of 4/18 off 4 overs. So hats off to you Mr. Tye. Perth will now play the Sydney Sixers in the final in Canberra on Wednesday night. Don't forget to join the Roar for the best online commentary around. Thanks to all for putting up with my commentary. Cheers,
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Wright and Pietersen both got in then threw it away with stupid shots. Wright shouldn't be back next season.
jamesb
Guest
Mate, I've enjoyed both this game and Kyrios.
haydos
Guest
Win by just 18? It was looking like the stars would win with overs remaining so to win by 18 with their total is impressive.
Paul Nicholls
Roar Guru
Run out going for the second run. Melbourne Stars all out for 126. Perth wins by just 18 runs.
Paul Nicholls
Roar Guru
8/123 of 19.1 Then CAUGHT by Tye on the boundary. 9/123 off 19.2
Paul Nicholls
Roar Guru
Hi Jamesb. Enjoying the game?
Paul Nicholls
Roar Guru
End of a great spell by Tye. He gets a great reception from the crowd. MLS 8/121 (19.0) Target 145
jamesb
Guest
Tye is making up for his batting maiden. The Stars are gone in a semi,..again.
Paul Nicholls
Roar Guru
An impossible yorker to get away and Hastings smashes it along the ground for FOUR. Hastings is bowled! Surely that's it now. What a bowling performance by the Scorchers. Stars 8/118. 8 balls to get 27
Paul Nicholls
Roar Guru
Collision between Tye and the big man Hastings. Great stuff
Paul Nicholls
Roar Guru
BOWLED! McKay gone to Tye the wonder guy. As long as Hastings is there the Stars still have some hope. Stars 7/113 - 32 to win off 11 balls. That's tough
Blake Standfield
Roar Guru
Another semi final choke for the Stars. Credit to Perth, great bowling side but the Stars should have chased that down. White's innings put too much pressure on the rest on a new ball pitch.
Paul Nicholls
Roar Guru
Whack! A four through mid-wicket by Hastings MLS 6/113 (18.0) Target 145