Scorchers surge to fourth BBL title after batting recovery act
Scorchers were 4 for 25 before an audacious century partnership between Evans and Turner powered them to a competitive total
Scorchers were 4 for 25 before an audacious century partnership between Evans and Turner powered them to a competitive total
Scorer: @Thilak_Rama | Commentator: Peter Della Penna
10.55 pm So the road warriors get revenge in a rematch of last year's final when they came out on the losing end. They haven't been home since December 8 due to Covid restrictions in Western Australia but they still dominated the regular season, finishing comfortably clear of the rest of the field at the top of the table and then come out on top of the Sixers twice in the playoffs, first in a preliminary final and then again in the rematch. Tremendous season for them and deserved champions. The players wives and partners and kids are now pouring onto the field, kisses and hugs all around.
Andrew Tye: "It's just unbelievable, overwhelming joy. It's been so long away from home. We made it worth it. I can't be prouder of these bunch of boys. We're an unbelievable group. I'm so glad we won. This is probably the best win we've ever had. One home game, six or seven weeks straight on the road. This group is so good. [At 24 for 4] I was nervous as hell. I wasted so much nervous energy on the bench it was ridiculous. But that's the belief we have in this group. That's why we have such a strong team because we could have our backs up against the wall but we keep fighting, keep scrapping. Credit to the Sydney Sixers. They've had a rough roll of the dice throughout the tournament. Huge credit to them for making the final. They were a worthy opponent for us to beat today."
Player of the Final is Laurie Evans: "What can I say? The guys deserve this. They've sacrificed a lot, not being able to get home. I'm just really glad we got over the line today and glad I could contribute."
Sixers captain Moises Henriques: "It seems like we do this quite often. Obviously Perth was too good for us tonight and they were too good for us a few times this year."
Scorchers captain Ashton Turner: "I think any captain from all eight teams could talk about adversity and obstacles that we've had to overcome to get to the end of this tournament and we feel no different. But we're very fortunate that all of the teams have been so competitive this year. Everyone's made so many sacrifices. The Sydney Sixers have been the best side for the last couple of years. You've taught us how to play on wickets like this and you deserve all of the success that you've had. From the outside looking in it looks like you have an amazing culture. We weren't able to be in Perth and we weren't able to play in front of our home fans and know that our sponsors have missed out on a lot of opportunities so we're very appreciative of your support. To our squad, players and coaching staff, it's been a long time on the road and I couldn't be prouder of our efforts. We know that everyone has made sacrifices but we're so appreciative that everyone was able to come together, we were able to make this tournament happen and get to the end of it."
So that's it from BBL 11. Thanks to everyone who has stuck with our coverage through thick and thin. On behalf of Andrew McGlashan, Alex Malcolm and Tristan Lavelette on site in Australia and everyone else who has been a part of the commentary and scoring team throughout the last two months, I'm Peter Della Penna. Take care!
SNJ O'Keefe lbw b Richardson 2 (10m 5b 0x4 0x6) SR: 40.00
They were constantly on the road in a season ravaged by Covid-19, but adversity only galvanised their battle-hardened group
He arrived with Scorchers in deep trouble and produced one of the innings of the season
Scorchers were 4 for 25 before an audacious century partnership between Evans and Turner powered them to a competitive total
Sydney Sixers' captain Moises Henriques says Scorchers had their measure "throughout the season"
The injury-hit club have had their final bid for the Australia batter rejected