Perth Scorchers Stunned by Adelaide Strikers Spin Bowling Dominance

The Perth Scorchers’ dreams of a BBL championship repeat were dashed in spectacular fashion tonight, as the Adelaide Strikers pulled off a stunning 51-run upset thanks to a masterful performance from their spin bowling duo of Lloyd Pope and Cameron Boyce.

Chasing a modest 156 set by the Scorchers, the Strikers looked down and out at 56-3, with star batsman Matt Short dismissed for just 13. However, a fighting 56 from Jake Weatherald and a crucial 34-run partnership between Ben Manenti and Henry Thorton brought the Strikers back into the game.

But it was Pope and Boyce who stole the show, ripping through the Scorchers’ middle and lower order with a combined seven wickets. Pope finished with figures of 4-24, while Boyce picked up 3-27, as the Scorchers crumbled from a promising position to be bowled out for 104 in just 17.1 overs.

The Scorchers’ batting had started brightly, with rookie Sam Fanning impressing on his BBL debut with a quickfire 31, including two fours and three sixes. However, the introduction of Pope and Boyce quickly turned the tide.

Harris, recalled to the Scorchers side after an eight-year absence, managed just eight runs before being trapped lbw by Pope. Sam Whiteman and skipper Aaron Hardie followed in quick succession, both falling victim to Boyce’s wily leg-spin.

Josh Inglis, who had been in fine form with five scores of 26 or more in his last seven games, was also unable to resist the spin, bowled Boyce for just 12. Nick Hobson and Ashton Agar departed cheaply, leaving the Scorchers reeling at 78-7.

Pope then mopped up the tail, dismissing Andrew Tye and Jason Behrendorff with his beautiful googly to complete his four-wicket haul. With the Scorchers’ hopes fading, James Bazley produced a stunning diving catch on the boundary to dismiss Cooper Connolly and seal the Strikers’ improbable victory.

The win sends the Strikers through to the Challenger Final against the Brisbane Heat, while the Scorchers’ reign as champions comes to a heartbreaking end. The Strikers will be hoping to carry this momentum into the next match and book their place in the BBL final against the Sydney Sixers.

**Key stats:**

* Top scorer Adelaide Strikers: Jake Weatherald (56)

* Top wicket-taker Adelaide Strikers: Lloyd Pope (4-24)

* Top scorer Perth Scorchers: Sam Fanning (31)

* Top wicket-taker Perth Scorchers: Jason Behrendorff (2-25)