Perth Scorchers missed a golden opportunity to secure top spot after losing all four points to Brisbane Heat in Adelaide, despite a brilliant late knock from Mitch Marsh. The Scorchers fell six runs short of their target of 182, leaving them reliant on the result of the final regular-season match between Sydney Sixers and Melbourne Stars.
Marsh nearly won the game single-handedly, blasting an unbeaten 54 off 26 balls to take the match to the final ball. After being 5-94 in the 14th over, the Scorchers finished at 6-175, with 74 runs coming off the last five overs. Marsh needed 17 off the final over and a six off the last ball to force a super over, but couldn't get the leverage required.
Scorchers all-time leading wicket-taker Andrew Tye said, 'A win felt unrealistic at some stages during the run chase but the fact we were only one hit away from winning is a credit to Mitch.' Tye added, 'We were ahead after the power play, but those overs from about five to 10, they scored quite a few runs and we lost quite a few wickets. That was probably the period when we lost it.'
Reigning champions Sydney Sixers only need to grab the Bash Boost Point against Melbourne Stars to snatch the minor premiership and host the home qualifier at the SCG. Tye joked, 'It's probably the first time I've ever said this, but go Stars.'
Australian Test star Marnus Labuschagne was the hero for the Heat with bat and ball, scoring 46 off 38 balls and taking 3-35 with his part-time leg-spin. His double-wicket over removed Josh Inglis and Ashton Turner, sparking a middle-order collapse. Earlier, Chris Lynn smashed 51 off 25 balls to set up the Heat's total of 7-181.
