BBL 2022-23: Perth Scorchers Beat Brisbane Heat To Clinch Record-Extending Fifth Title

Perth Scorchers rode on skipper Ashton Turner’s half-century and late cameos from Cooper Connolly and Nick Hobson to secure a five-wicket victory over Brisbane Heat and clinch a record-extending fifth Big Bash League.

The defending champions chased down the target of 176 runs with just four balls to spare in a thrilling summit clash in front of a record crowd of 53,886 at Optus Stadium on Saturday, February 4.

Turner played a match-defining knock of 53 runs from 32 balls before Cooper Connolly, a 19-year-old playing just his fourth BBL match, clobbered an unbeaten 25 off just 11 deliveries to take his side over the finish line.

THEY'VE DONE IT!!!!

THE @ScorchersBBL ARE #BBL12 CHAMPIONS!!! pic.twitter.com/MFNzhpuYUa

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) February 4, 2023

Earlier, Brisbane Heat posted 175 runs on the scoreboard for the loss of seven wickets after opting to bat first. Nathan McSweeney was the top run-scorer, having smashed 41 runs from 37 balls. Sam Heazlett also contributed 34 runs.

From Perth Scorchers’ bowling point of view, Jason Behrendroff and Matthew Kelly picked two wickets each. David Payne and Aaron Hardie also got a wicket each. Andrew Tye picked up one wicket, but leaked 42 runs and was the most expensive bowler for his team.