Klinger guides Scorchers to table-topping win
The Perth Scorchers are back on top of the Big Bash League following their New Year's Day win against the Sydney Sixers.
Michael Klinger was the star of the show as Perth Scorchers climbed to the top of the Big Bash League with a six-wicket victory over Sydney Sixers.
The Sixers posted 167-4 but saw that total reeled in by the hosts at the WACA, with Klinger, who holds the competition's all-time run-scoring record, contributing 83 to the cause.
Two early wickets got the Sixers' defence off to a promising start, but Klinger - with help from Ashton Turner (45) and debutant Tim David (17 not out) - consigned the winless visitors to a fourth consecutive defeat.
The Scorchers are now two points clear of Adelaide Strikers at the summit, while Melbourne Stars - the only team keeping the Sixers off the foot of the table - have played two games fewer than the Sydney strugglers.
KLINGER'S CRICKET ESCAPE
It has been a tough few weeks for Klinger, who said last month that playing cricket was "secondary" following his wife's cancer diagnosis.
But the 37-year-old has continued to feature for the Scorchers, despite question marks over his availability, claiming his involvement has helped him cope with the difficulties at home.
"To be honest, my wife and family have been kicking me out the door to go to games," he told Network Ten.
"They're able to keep things at home as normal as possible for her and also for our kids. The three hours out here are the time I... mentally rejuvenate.
"That's the way it is. The cards have been dealt, so hopefully things go well over the next five or six months."
No surprises to see @maxyklinger named player of the match. What a knock from him #BBL07 pic.twitter.com/4hrpSTzsVI
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 1, 2018
SIXERS FIZZLE OUT
The Sixers were still alive in the match right up until the final over, when a wide delivery and an Adam Voges six emphatically ended their hopes of a first win of the campaign.
The Scorchers needed nine from the last six balls and were given a huge helping hand when Sean Abbott's wide found its way beyond a diving Peter Nevill to the boundary, knocking five runs off the home side's target.
And Voges smashed Abbott's next effort clear of the boundary to clinch the victory without needing to worry about the result going down to the wire.
SCORCHERS HISTORY
This result represented the Scorchers' highest successful chase in their history and represented a good recovery after falling to 17-2 early in the innings.
As well as Klinger, there were creditable contributions from Turner and David, who was in the middle with Voges when the former Australia international fired the winning six.
What a way to seal the win! #BBL07 pic.twitter.com/t2lUbNkFPC
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 1, 2018
