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Matthew Wade and Ben McDermott cracked blistering half-centuries to help power the Hobart Hurricanes to a crushing 71-run win over the Perth Scorchers in Thursday's BBL semi-final at Perth Stadium.
Wade struck 71 off 45 balls and McDermott added an unbeaten 67 off 30 to lift Hobart to 4-210 — the equal-third highest score in BBL history.
In reply, the Scorchers were bowled out for 139 in 17.5 overs, ending their title defence in front of 52,960 disappointed fans.
The win propels the Hurricanes into an away final on Sunday — against the winner of Friday's second semi-final between the Adelaide Strikers and Melbourne Renegades.
The Scorchers won the toss and elected to bowl, but quickly regretted the decision after the Hurricanes exploded out of the blocks.
Highest BBL team totals
- Hurricanes 8-223 v Renegades, Etihad Stadium, January 2017
- Renegades 4-222 v Hurricanes, Etihad Stadium, January 2017
- Hurricanes 4-210 v Scorchers, Optus Stadium, February 2018
- Hurricanes 7-210 v Heat, Gabba, December 2013
- Renegades 3-210 v Heat, Etihad Stadium, December 2013
Allrounder Mitch Marsh came under heavy punishment, returning figures of 0-53 off four overs in his first BBL match of the season.
Mitchell Johnson (0-43) and Tim Bresnan (2-40) were also expensive as part of a five-man pace attack, with the Scorchers dearly missing spinner Ashton Agar on international duties.
Hurricanes opener Tim Paine and Dan Christian both copped heavy knocks to the helmet from Johnson bouncers.
But they were among the very few blows the Scorchers could land at Perth's new $1.5 billion stadium.
McDermott struck six sixes and four fours, while Wade tallied 10 fours and a six.
In reply, the Scorchers' hopes evaporated after a series of quick wickets.
Hobart paceman Tom Rogers (3-31) was the chief destroyer early, claiming the key scalps of Cameron Bancroft (1) and Shaun Marsh (30 off 18) in the sixth over to rip the heart out of the Scorchers.
And when George Bailey ran out Ashton Turner for two to leave the Scorchers at 5-57 in the eighth over, it was effectively lights out.
Dan Christian cleaned up the tail to finish with figures of 4-17.
AAP
Topics: cricket, sport, perth-6000, wa, australia
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