Perth Scorchers crowned BBL champions; Marsh Brothers destroy Hobart Hurricanes

The Scorchers celebrate after defeating the Hurricanes during the Big Bash League Final match between the Perth Scorchers and the Hobart Hurricanes at WACA on February 7, 2014 in Perth, Australia.

Perth Scorchers, powered by blistering batting performances from the Marsh brothers, defeated the Hobart Hurricanes by a comfortable 39-run margin at the Western Australia Cricket Association Ground, Perth, to be crowned as the Big Bash League 2013-14 champions. Having set a target of 192, a disciplined bowling performance from the Scorchers meant the Simon Katich-led team finally got to clinch the trophy after their previous two unsuccessful attempts.

With the exception of George Bailey, who managed to put 58 runs on the board from 32 deliveries, the Hurricanes’  batting looked listless for the most part of their innings with no major contributions coming from any of their batsmen.

The bowling spoils for the Scorchers was largely shared by Brad Hogg and Jason Behrendorff, both of whom claimed 2 victims each. Hogg stifled the case by picking up the crucial wickets of Jonathan Wells and Travis Birt and by bowling his four overs at an economy of 4.25 RPO. The 43-year-old was declared as the Man of the match.

Earlier in the day, the Scorchers won the toss and chose to bat first. Shaun Marsh picked up the mantle with some big hitting in the first innings, scoring 63 off 43 deliveries, with Craig Simmons (45 off 36) playing the supporting role. Mitchell Marsh (37 off 12) and Adam Voges (27 off 17)  made valuable contributions down the order to set up a daunting target for the Hurricanes.

Nothing much to write home about the Hurricanes’ bowlers. Ben Hilfenhaus was the pick of the bowlers with the figures of  4-0-23-1. Dimitri Mascarenhas, Evan Gulbis and Xavier Doherty got one wicket each.