'Oh my goodness': Cricket world stunned after Big Bash final 'debacle'
The Sydney Sixers went back-to-back in the Big Bash after a thrilling victory over the Perth Scorchers, but many fans were left wondering what could have been after star batsman Josh Phillipe was run out in a woeful misunderstanding.
James Vince's masterful 95 and magnificent catch helped deliver defending champions Sixers a 27-run win over Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League final.
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The Englishman, who asked to bat first in front of a sold-out SCG on Saturday night, picked up where he left off the previous week while marching the Sixers to a total of 6-188.
But many Sixers fans were in disbelief when Vince and Philippe were caught in a run-out nightmare as Sydney were charging at 0-28.
Oh my goodness 😨 Chaos in the middle, Josh Philippe is run-out by half a pitch... #BBL10 | #BBLFinals pic.twitter.com/x4i5BMdb2w
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) February 6, 2021
In the third over, Philippe attempted to play an AJ Tye delivery on the onside before he lost sight of where the ball went.
But Vince called for a quick single, racing through as Philippe tried to gather his footing.
This left Philippe and Vince stranded at one end as the Scorchers missed the throw, but followed up to run the danger man out.
Cricket commentator Mark Howard was rightfully shocked in commentary after the fall of a huge wicket.
“Confusion in the middle, that’s the biggest wicket that the Sixers have and it falls,” he said.
Fans on social media were stunned at the ‘debacle’ on the pitch to mark the fall of the first Sixers wicket.
What the hell is happening in BBL 🤣
Run out drama
Philippe gone for 9— Shrutika Gaekwad (@Shrutika_45_) February 6, 2021
The game was there to be won after the Philippe run out debacle. The fact that Vince was allowed to almost reach a ton said it all.
— Peter K Johnson (@PeterJo29384960) February 6, 2021
So Vince not budging out of his crease when Philippe wanted that run looking like a big sliding doors moment. #BBL10
— Matt Walsh (@MattWalshMedia) February 6, 2021
Philippe run out in bbl finals ♥️🤧
— TEAM RCB (@Team_rcb_) February 6, 2021
And Philippe is out... that was unnecessary to run #BBL10
— iklash (@iklash) February 6, 2021
Sixers win drama-laden Big Bash final
Momentum ebbed and flowed during a drama-laden chase that finished with the Scorchers at 9-161.
Vince delivered a pivotal turning point while patrolling the covers in the 15th over of Perth's innings, moving sharply to his right and clutching the ball after it was belted at him by Mitch Marsh.
"I have really enjoyed my time here and I'm lucky to be the one getting the rewards tonight. I cannot speak highly enough of everyone ... in the franchise," man of the match Vince said.
"Everyone stood up at different times (this season)."
Left-armer Ben Dwarshuis removed Marsh and Josh Inglis in the decisive first over of Perth's power surge.
The visitors required 69 runs from the final overs, an equation that proved too much in front of 25,295 jubilant fans that attended the Sixers' first home game this summer.
Jackson Bird starred with the ball, delivering eight dot balls and dismissing openers Cameron Bancroft (30) and Liam Livingstone (45) after Perth raced to 0-43 in four overs.
The composed former Test paceman's figures of 2-14 from from three overs made him the most economical bowler in the fourth season-deciding final between the rivals.
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