Twitter Reactions: Perth Scorchers extend their lead at the top of the table

Two teams that shared equal points at the top of the table battled it out in match 38 of the Big Bash League (BBL) season 7. While it is likely that both the teams will qualify for the playoffs it was about maintaining the winning momentum more than anything. And the Perth Scorchers were able to do that as Adelaide Strikers suffered a 4-wicket defeat.

Adam Voges’ luck shone at the toss of the coin and he asked the visitors to bat first. Mitchell Johnson playing his last game at the WACA was all fired up and so was his partner Matthew Kelly. The 23-year-old right-arm pacer dismissed Strikers’ opener Jono Dean, Colin Ingram had an eight-ball stay in the middle as he became Tim Bresnan’s first scalp of the night.

He struck again to send back Jonathan Wells. Kelly then returned to scalp Jake Weatherland who scored a stabilizing half century. Jake Lehmann and Alex Carey contributed 21 and 25 respectively while most others filed and all they managed in 20 overs was 137/6.  Kelly, Richardson and Bresnan picked a couple each.

In response, the Scorchers had a similar start as Michael Neser and Billy Stanlake sent back both the openers for single-digit scores. Cameron Bancroft stayed on while Hilton Cartwright and Ashton Turner failed as well. Rashid Khan accounted for both their wickets for 2 and a duck respectively. Skipper Adam Voges then got into the act and constructed a 77-run stand for the fifth wicket.

It laid the foundation for them to scale the chase. Though Bancroft got out on 49 once again bowled by Rashid, Voges continued and was there until the end to see his team home. Ashton Agar’s contribution worth 7 and the same from Bresnan ensured the veteran didn’t fall short of partners as they won the match with 4 wickets and 3 balls to spare to take the two points of the game.

Here is how Twitterati reacted with excitement to the closely fought match: