Openers lead Scorchers to victory

A 136 run first wicket partnership between in form openers Josh Inglis and Liam Livingstone has helped Perth Scorchers back to the winners list, defeating Sydney Thunder by 8 wickets with 27 balls to spare on Monday night.

The result puts Perth in fourth spot, well placed to play finals in what is a revamped play-off format in BBL09.

In the first match up between the sides this season the Thunder won the toss and chose to bat, posting 5/153 from their 20 overs.

Opener Alex Hales survived a confident LBW shout from the first ball he faced from Jhye Richardson and went on to be the lynchpin of the innings, making 85 from 59 balls.

Only Alex Ross (22*) joined him in passing 20 in a modest batting effort, Chris Jordan claiming 3-28 against his former franchise in what is his last game of the tournament.

Openers Inglis and Livingstone burst out of the blocks, Inglis taking 17 runs from the first over to set the tone for the innings.

Sydney had no answer to the destructive duo, who reached a third century stand for the season to put their side in an impregnable position.

Livingstone was dropped three times by Thunder bowler Brendan Doggett, who eventually caught Inglis for 58 to end the stand at 136.

The Lancastrian went on to make 78 in a man of the match performance, striking six fours and four sixes in a belligerent knock.

Perth captain Mitch Marsh duly completed the job with Kurtis Patterson at the other end, sealing a comprehensive win.

The Scorchers are back at home on Friday when they host Adelaide Strikers, while the Thunder head to Hobart to play the Hurricanes earlier on the same day.

IMAGE: ESPN Cricinfo.