Perth snatch scorching semi

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Perth Scorchers beat Melbourne Stars by eight wickets in a thrilling Big Bash League semi-final at the WACA to reach Saturday’s final with Brisbane Heat at the same ground.

Needing 10 from the last over to win, a dropped catch and a missed run-out helped Perth whittle that down to three from the final ball. However, left-arm seamer James Faulkner overstepped and the Scorchers ran a bye to leave one required from a free-hit that Mike Hussey lofted over midwicket for four.

Hussey was unbeaten on 18 and Adam Voges 36 as the hosts, facing an attack including Luke Wright and Dimitri Mascarenhas, chased a Duckworth/Lewis revised target of 139 from 13 overs. Shaun Marsh must take much of the credit after making a 40-ball 68 from the top of the order.

The result was hard on Cameron White and Brad Hodge who, after opener Wright fell for 16, added 120 in lifting Melbourne to an imposing total of 183 for two from 18 overs. They were severe on Alfonso Thomas, whose three wicketless overs cost 27, in respectively scoring 88 from 53 balls and 70 not out from 43.

Mike Hussey celebrates hitting the free-hit four, from the last scheduled ball of the game, that took Perth Scorchers to the Big Bash League final