Perth Scorchers 3 for 139 (Marsh 56*, Whiteman 31) beat Melbourne Stars 8 for 136 (Gotch 48, Johnson 3-3) by seven wickets
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
The scorecard shouts out Mitchell Johnson’s sterling spell © Cricket Australia
An inspired opening spell of pace bowling from Mitchell Johnson set up a blistering victory for Perth Scorchers, booking them a home final at the WACA. Melbourne Stars were the victims, losing both their openers in Johnson’s first over, and they never really recovered, scrambling their way to 136 for 8, but ultimately losing by seven wickets with 19 balls to spare.
Just as he did in the Scorchers’ last league game against Hobart Hurricanes, Johnson’s opening burst, which – on a low pitch – read 4-2-3-3, gutted the opposition, and from thereon his team-mates put on a typically clinical display. Johnson’s bowling colleagues remained relentless, while the chase was calm and calculated, with Shaun Marsh making his second successive half-century.
In their fifth final (which will take place straight after their women’s team contest their first final), Scorchers have a shot at a third title. They will play Brisbane Heat or Sydney Sixers, who meet at the Gabba tomorrow. For the Stars, a fairly sorry season has ended with the return of their semi-final curse; five times in six years, they have fallen at the penultimate hurdle. Again, they have been hurt badly by their national team-heavy list.
Full report to follow
Will Macpherson writes on cricket for the Guardian, ESPNcricinfo and All Out Cricket. @willis_macp
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Source: ESPN Crickinfo