Perth Scorchers stormed back into finals contention as captain Ashton Turner produced a breathtaking 99 not out, powering his side to a 71-run win over Sydney Thunder at Engie Stadium. The result lifts Scorchers into third place, while Thunder’s campaign continues to unravel.
Sent in to bat on a green-tinged pitch, Scorchers slipped to 34 for 3 before Turner took charge with a 41-ball masterclass featuring eight sixes. Supported by cameos from Aaron Hardie (28) and Cooper Connolly (28), the visitors surged to 202 for 8, despite Daniel Sams’ four-wicket haul.
Thunder responded aggressively, with David Warner and Matthew Gilkes adding 60 inside seven overs, but once Warner fell for 25, the innings unraveled. Connolly removed Cameron Bancroft and Sam Billings in successive balls, before Perth’s attack finished the job, dismissing Thunder for 131 in the 18th over.
Turner dominated the night, clearing the ropes at will and nearly sealing a maiden T20 hundred before running out of partners in the final over. His knock proved the difference as Scorchers bounced back in style, and sent a strong reminder that the champions are still very much in the hunt.
