Joel Paris Leads Perth Scorchers to 33-Run Win as Adelaide Strikers Collapse Late

A dramatic late collapse with the bat cost the Adelaide Strikers dearly as they fell to a 33-run defeat against the Perth Scorchers at Optus Stadium in the Big Bash League.

Experienced fast bowler Joel Paris produced a match-winning all-round performance, leading a late bowling surge that overturned what had looked like a comfortable chase for Adelaide. Despite facing sustained spin pressure, Perth managed to post 8 for 153, a total that proved more than enough after Adelaide were skittled for just 120 in 18.1 overs.

Earlier, the Strikers’ spinners dominated proceedings. South African wrist-spinner Tabraiz Shamsi impressed on his Big Bash debut, claiming 3 for 30 and celebrating with his now-famous shoe-phone gesture. Lloyd Pope was equally effective, ripping through the middle order with figures of 4 for 23 as Perth struggled to build momentum.

Chasing 154, Adelaide appeared in control early at 1 for 48 and later 4 for 86. However, Paris shifted the momentum sharply. He removed Harry Manenti in the 13th over before delivering a decisive blow during the Power Surge in the 16th.

With 49 runs required from 30 balls, Paris struck twice in quick succession, first dismissing Jerrssis Wadia at mid-off and then inducing Luke Wood to sky a catch to point just two deliveries later. Adelaide never recovered from that over, which yielded figures of 2 for 6, and were soon bowled out.

Paris capped off a memorable outing with figures of 3 for 22 from four overs, having earlier added a vital unbeaten 20 with the bat, including two sixes at the death.

The victory marked Perth’s third consecutive win, lifting them to a 4-2 record, while Adelaide slipped to 2-3 for the season.

The Scorchers had entered the match under injury clouds, losing overseas recruits Finn Allen (finger) and Laurie Evans (hamstring) prior to the game. Despite this, their spinners kept them competitive.

Shamsi made an immediate impact, dismissing Mitch Marsh (37 off 33 balls) and Cooper Connolly (0) within four balls in the 10th over to trigger Perth’s slide. His theatrical celebration was mirrored by injured Australian star Tim David, who was on commentary duties and playfully answered the “call” by lifting his own shoe.

Lloyd Pope continued the pressure by removing Sam Fanning (31 off 24), followed by a double strike in the 13th over that sent Joel Curtis and Aaron Hardie back to the pavilion, reducing Perth to 5 for 87.

There was a brief revival when Ashton Turner launched Shamsi for 4, 4, 6 and 4 at the start of the Power Surge. But Shamsi had the final say, forcing Turner to miscue to mid-wicket, while Pope removed Nick Hobson soon after. Perth could only limp to a modest total.

Adelaide’s spin-heavy approach, deployed from the fifth over onward, echoed a successful tactic they used two seasons ago to eliminate Perth in a knockout final.

In response, Perth struck early through Cooper Connolly, who dismissed Chris Lynn for one. Later, Ashton Turner turned the game with the ball, removing Matt Short (31 off 21) and Jason Sangha (0) in quick succession, while Mackenzie Harvey fell soon after to leave Adelaide reeling.

Although the Strikers briefly steadied, they had no answer to Paris’ late burst, which sealed a crucial win for the Scorchers.