Perth Scorchers 6 for 185 (Munro 50, Doggett 4-22) beat Sydney Thunder 168 (Billings 83, Richardson 4-24) by 17 runs

Sam Billings' heroics in a thrilling chase ended in vain as AJ Tye's death bowling heroics denied Sydney Thunder's late rally from a perilous position to deliver a 17-run win for the Perth Scorchers on Saturday. Brendan Doggett took four wickets on season debut for the Thunder to help restrict the Scorchers after Colin Munro's half-century followed a blistering Powerplay to begin the match but a rocky start to the chase ultimately doomed the Thunder's efforts.

Billings and Ben Cutting teamed up for an 83-run partnership to revive the Thunder innings from 46 for 4 after six overs. But Tye claimed both men in the final six overs, including a spectacular 19th that included the wicket of Billings to snuff out the last remaining batting threat as the Scorchers managed to hold on to defeat the Big Bash table leaders. BBL leading wicket-taker Jhye Richardson then iced off the tail to end with four wickets and claim Man of the Match honors.

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Peter Della Penna is ESPNcricinfo's USA correspondent @PeterDellaPenna