Faf du Plessis and Josh Inglis have supplied the fireworks with blistering half-centuries that powered the Perth Scorchers to a 61-run BBL thrashing of the Melbourne Stars.
Inglis (74 off 33) posted the quickest fifty of the season – from simply 25 balls – because the reigning champions flexed their muscle at Junction Oval on Friday.
He bettered the mark set by opener du Plessis (68 off 33) earlier within the innings, with the pair serving to the Scorchers attain 7-229 batting first.
It was the third-highest rating in competitors historical past – setting a franchise document within the course of – and the primary whole of 200-plus by any workforce this season.
It left the Stars needing to tug off the highest-ever BBL run chase, however they solely managed 8-168 in reply.
Inglis and du Plessis took benefit of the brief boundaries because the Scorchers whacked 17 sixes in a dominant show.
“It was a lot of fun,” Inglis instructed reporters.
“It was a really, really good wicket and whenever you have that sort of platform set by the guys at the top, you’ve almost got a licence to come out and express yourself and go hard.
“We discuss being courageous and taking the sport on, and Faf did that actually nicely.
“Hobbo (Nick Hobson) came in and played brilliantly and it just allowed me to come out and be free.”
The Stars began positively of their chase, skipping to 0-32 from three overs, earlier than Scorchers fast Jason Behrendorff (3-32) eliminated openers Joe Clarke (18) and Tom Rogers (9) within the fourth.
Powerful allrounder Marcus Stoinis’ struggles continued as he managed simply 4 from seven balls, following consecutive geese within the opening two video games.
Beau Webster (43 off 32) and Nick Larkin (34 off 24) tried to elevate the Stars however the injury had already been completed.
Du Plessis’ dazzling innings included six fours and 5 sixes earlier than he was ultimately out caught off Luke Wood, who claimed 5-50 amid the carnage.
Inglis picked up the place the previous South Africa skipper left off, smashing 5 fours and 6 sixes, whereas Nick Hobson (46 off 26) additionally made a powerful contribution.
“It was obviously disappointing … but we can’t look too negatively,” Wood instructed reporters.
“They played well and credit to them.
“Faf got here fairly arduous and he performed some good pictures.
“We probably didn’t bowl as well as we would’ve liked and that reflects on the score.”
Both sides are again in motion on Boxing Day, with the Scorchers (2-1) internet hosting the Adelaide Strikers and the Stars (1-2) visiting the Sydney Sixers.
