The Perth Scorchers bid the WACA ground farewell with their third Big Bash League title in four years and a vintage performance straight from their tried-and-tested copybook
Scorer: Ranjith P | Commentator: Shashank Kishore
Just like the final game of the regular season, and the semi-final, Scorchers' night could barely have run closer to their well-worn plan. Adam Voges won the toss and bowled, as they prefer to and 28 of 35 captains this BBL season have done. They took wickets in the powerplay and strangled Sixers, keeping them to 142. In the chase, their top order did the work in a belligerent powerplay, then they sauntered home. Hope you enjoyed our coverage. Plenty of videos, analysis and reactions to follow from Perth. Do stay connected for all that and more. Until next time, cheers!
Moises Henriques: They came out firing, got on top of us early. We got a partnership, but they just kept taking wickets throughout. Great effort to make a grand final, we won a few close battles but couldn't get over tonight. Apologies, we couldn't put on a better show.
Jhye Richardson is the Man of the final. "Very happy. Speechless, this is a new experience but this is a special moment," he says. "Being able to fast-track my cricket and ask questions I haven't been able to ask before is special."
Chris Lynn of Brisbane Heat is the Player of the Tournament
Sean Abbott who took 20 wickets in the tournament - the most in a Big Bash season - is the Under-25 cricketer of the tournament. "We had to go away and work hard. Me and Geoff Lawson had to knuckle down plans and variations, nice that it came off well for me."
Mitchell Johnson has ruled out a return to international cricket. "Pretty awesome. It brings back old memories. Two best teams played the final, they were a tough opposition who seem to play their best in the final, but the last two games have been amazing," he says. "I'm enjoying it, loving it. Four overs and done. I've hardly batted. I was just asked to go out bowl and have fun, that is exactly what I have done. You always think about coming out of retirement. Playing here, I had fun, but I don't think I will play international cricket again. That's done and dusted. I'm just enjoying playing here."
Michael Klinger: Some times the risks come off. 140 can be a tricky target. We just thought that we'll come out here and take the game away. Whiteman was unbelievable in the first three-four overs, but our bowlers set this up for us. Our coaching staff is second to none. What a way to possibly send off the furnace here!
Benny: "You look at Bell and think he's definitely not a T20 batsmen, but his calm consistency has really helped the Scorchers this year."
While the Perth Scorchers have hit the straps at the right time, with dominant wins in the last week, the Sydney Sixers have had a more chaotic build-up, with a Super Over in the semi-final
Sydney Sixers captain Moises Henriques said his team failed to put "a full game together" and hence, winning the Big Bash League wouldn't have been justified
Mitchell Johnson's early burst, Jhye Richardson's middle spell and Michael Klinger's beligerence helped Perth Scorchers cruise to their third BBL title
The Perth Scorchers bid the WACA ground farewell with their third Big Bash League title in four years and a vintage performance straight from their tried-and-tested copybook
The punt on young Jhye Richardson in the final gave a peek into coach Justin Langer's broad vision, which has made Perth Scorchers one of the most formidable BBL outfits
