The Perth Scorchers continued on their merry way with a dominant nine-wicket win over the Hobert Hurricanes in BBL|13 on Wednesday night.
Prized import Zak Crawley, in the first of his six games for the Scorchers, put on a batting clinic with new teammate Aaron Hardie as the home team made a mockery of the run chase at Optus Stadium.
In his BBL debut, Englishman Crawley struck 65 off 46 balls (six fours and a six) while Hardie piled on 85 from 45 balls (four fours and five sixes) as the Scorchers made 1/173, surpassing the target set (8/172) by the Hurricanes in the 17th over.
Large from Aaron Hardie! 93 metres and more catching practice for the crowd 🔥 #BBL13 pic.twitter.com/ly2XouPjXR
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 20, 2023
It might have even been an easier chase if not for some late-innings heroics from Hurricanes pair Nikhil Chaudhary (40 off 31) and Chris Jordan (59 off 20).
At one point, the visitors found themselves at 5/47 inside eight overs but the efforts of Chaudhary and Jordan helped produce a reasonable score.
Chris Jordan is on one here! 30 from 9 balls, including this six 🔥😮 #BBL13 pic.twitter.com/PNmHLf6Wc3
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 20, 2023
Behrendorff with the classic left armer's dismissal, swinging in, and Hain trapped LBW 🔥 #BBL13 pic.twitter.com/6hBmkQBTry
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 20, 2023
Easily the pick of the Scorchers bowlers was Jason Behrendorff who was almost immaculate with the ball to finish with figures of 4/25 off his four overs. Lance Morris (1/27 off 4) also bowled well.
Their bowling restricted the ‘Canes and allowed the Perth batters to get to work early, resulting in a comfortable victory.
There was some grief for the Scorchers, however, with captain Ashton Turner aggravating a knee injury while bowling his first ball. He played no further part in the game but it is understood that the issue is not too serious.
The five-time BBL champions moved to second on this season’s standings with their second win (plus a no result) from three matches.
They next meet the Melbourne Renegades at home on Boxing Day, while the winless Hurricanes will look to break the duck against the ‘Gades in Hobart on December 23.