Hampshire’s James Vince leads Sydney Sixers to BBL final

Hampshire batsman James Vince has fired Perth Scorchers into the Big Bash final thanks to a knock of 98* to set up a nine wicket victory over the Sydney Sixers. Vince was denied a hundred when Andre Tye bowled a bouncer which was called a wide to leave the batsman stranded on 98.

Earlier in the day, Perth Scorchers had won the toss and elected to bat first but were reduced to 85-4 in the 13th over before wicketkeeper Josh Inglis smashed an unbeaten 69 to put some pressure on Sydney, reaching 167-6 at the end of their allocated overs.

Steve O’keefe was the star with the ball for Sydney, coming out with figures of 1-20 from his four, while also picking up the key scalp of Mitch Marsh when he was on just two.

However, it soon became very clear that the Sixers would race to victory with Vince and Josh Philippe 45* raced towards the target, sharing an opening stand of 92 inside nine overs to set them well on their way to victory.

Vince then put on another fifty stand with Daniel Hughes as they raced to victory and spot in the final with three overs remaining.

Despite losing, the Scorchers will have another opportunity to reach the final after finishing second in the original competition and will face the winner of the match between Brisbane Heat and Sydney Thunder tomorrow.

The Sixers will now rest up and have a full week to prepare for next Saturday’s final which takes place in Sydney so could help give them the edge.

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