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Nick Hobson played a crucial role in Perth Scorchers’ 33-run victory over Brisbane Heat at Optus Stadium. After being sent in to bat on a fast, bouncy pitch, Scorchers struggled early but Hobson’s blistering unbeaten 47 off 16 balls lifted them to 165/6. His late onslaught provided the much-needed momentum, and the team carried that […]
Nick Hobson played a crucial role in Perth Scorchers’ 33-run victory over Brisbane Heat at Optus Stadium. After being sent in to bat on a fast, bouncy pitch, Scorchers struggled early but Hobson’s blistering unbeaten 47 off 16 balls lifted them to 165/6. His late onslaught provided the much-needed momentum, and the team carried that energy into the field.
Scorchers’ disciplined bowling performance, led by speedster Lance Morris, kept Heat on the back foot throughout. Despite early wickets, Heat never looked in contention, ultimately being bowled out in the final over. The win ended Scorchers’ two-match losing streak and handed Heat their first defeat of the season.
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Finn Allen, one of Scorchers’ big recruits this season, began with a promising first-ball six against Melbourne Stars, but his form quickly dipped. In his previous three innings, he had managed just 10 runs, going for broke from the outset. Against left-arm quick Spencer Johnson, Allen started cautiously but couldn’t resist the pressure. After failing to score off his first four deliveries, he attempted a big shot at a full delivery, only to edge it to backward point.
Cooper Connolly has been Scorchers’ standout batter this season, making 37 off as many balls, though he struggled to find his usual fluency. The team welcomed back allrounder Aaron Hardie, who made his season debut as a specialist batter at No. 4, a spot lower than his usual position. Hardie had been sidelined with a quad injury since the Pakistan white-ball series and appeared rusty, but he showed glimpses of his power with a massive six off seamer Xavier Bartlett. However, he was dismissed for 24 off 23 balls by left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann.
The game turned in the final over thanks to Nick Hobson, who had been working hard to improve his power-hitting. Known for his role as an accountant, Hobson has been focusing on becoming a specialist finisher. His efforts paid off in spectacular fashion as he smashed Bartlett for 24 runs in the last over, lifting Scorchers to a total that had seemed unlikely just moments before. His late surge provided the team with a crucial boost, reflecting his ongoing development as a powerful finisher.
Heat made a strong start with an impressive opening spell from Spencer Johnson, who restricted Scorchers to just 18 runs in the powerplay. Johnson made a successful return in his season debut after missing the first two matches due to a toe injury, putting the Scorchers on the back foot early. Skipper Colin Munro then turned to spinners Matthew Kuhnemann and Mitchell Swepson in the middle overs, and they bowled with precision to keep the run rate under control. Swepson, in particular, varied his speeds effectively, making it difficult for the batters to settle into a rhythm.
Heat’s bowlers were well supported by excellent fielding and catching, but their grip loosened as the game progressed. In the penultimate over, Kuhnemann dropped a high catch off Ashton Turner, and Bartlett, clearly rattled, lost his accuracy in the final over. This allowed Nick Hobson to take full advantage, eventually swamping the Heat with a late flurry of runs, tipping the game in Scorchers’ favor.
Lance Morris had a point to prove after being dropped from the team following a rough outing against Hurricanes opener Mitchell Owens. Returning to more favorable conditions, he unleashed a fiery spell on the fast and bouncy surface, reaching speeds of 148 kph. Morris was perhaps fortunate to dismiss Tom Banton off his first delivery, as the ball found the edge down the legside. This early wicket gave him the confidence boost he needed, and he bowled a hostile, impactful spell with the new ball.
Scorchers’ bowlers were backed up by some exceptional fielding. Ashton Agar produced a moment of brilliance, running out Jimmy Peirson with a direct hit from point after making a stunning stop with his right hand and switching the ball to his left arm for the throw. Allen also contributed with a spectacular run-out of Nathan McSweeney from backward point. This was Allen’s most significant contribution of the season, and it could provide the spark he needs to turn his batting form around.
Heat’s batters struggled to adapt to the challenging conditions, with the pitch playing noticeably quicker than in their season opener against the Scorchers. The standout performers were Matthew Renshaw and Max Bryant, who both timed the ball beautifully. Renshaw, given an early life when wicketkeeper Matt Hurst dropped a catch off Ashton Agar, looked in excellent touch, hitting Matthew Kelly for back-to-back sixes.
However, the challenge proved too much for Renshaw, as he holed out to Andrew Tye in the 11th over after scoring 36 off 24 balls. Bryant also played well, making 35 off 20 balls, but their efforts were ultimately in vain as Heat’s batting lineup couldn’t capitalize on their starts.
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