Tye hat-trick helps Scorchers past Sixers
An Andrew Tye hat-trick helped the Perth Scorchers to a hard-fought six-wicket win over the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League on Saturday.
Tye (4-21) cleaned up the Sixers’ tail as the hosts were dismissed for 132 after being put in to bat at the SCG.
It marked the third hat-trick in the history of the BBL and second by Tye, who also managed the feat last season.
In a rematch of last season’s final, won by the Scorchers, Perth had some troubles reaching their target, but got there with six wickets and 11 balls to spare.
Ashton Turner was Perth’s hero with the bat, making an unbeaten 52 off 27 balls.
Both teams were weakened due largely to Australia Test call-ups, but the Scorchers opened their season with a win while leaving the Sixers at 0-2.
SLOW START HURTS SIXERS
On a wicket that appeared decent for batting, the Sixers slumped to 46-5 inside seven overs.
Jhye Richardson (2-28) removed openers Daniel Hughes (7) and Jason Roy (19), while Moises Henriques (1) fell after a low catch by wicketkeeper Josh Inglis, who made his debut along with Will Bosisto and Josh Philippe.
A 48-run partnership between Sean Abbott (23) and Steve O’Keefe (23) pulled the Sixers to something of a competitive total.
TYE STRIKES LATE
With 150 appearing possible for the Sixers, Tye stepped up for the Scorchers as Sydney were all out after 18.4 overs.
Abbott lobbed a catch to Mitchell Johnson at point before O’Keefe flicked Tye to Richardson at deep square leg.
The hat-trick was complete with the dismissal of Daniel Sams, who was trapped lbw.
Perth made their run chase much tougher than they would have liked.
However, they were always just one big over from being in control and Turner delivered.
With the Scorchers needing 55 off 36, Turner smashed Sams (0-34) for 16 off the 15th over and he belted Abbott (3-28) for two sixes in the 17th to give Perth victory.