'Absolute beauty': Adelaide Strikers advance in BBL finals after insane James Bazley catch
Reigning champions Perth Scorchers have been eliminated from the Big Bash in a huge upset loss to the Adelaide Strikers.
After taking out the title last year, Perth were bundled out in surprising fashion, losing to the Strikers by 50 runs on Saturday night as their batting order collapsed at Optus Stadium.
The visitors batted first and posted a modest total of 7-155 from their 20 overs, with Jake Weatherald top-scoring with 56.
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James Bazley pulls off an insane boundary catch in the BBL. Fox Cricket
The hosts managed to get off to a reasonable start in their run-chase, but when Sam Fanning departed for 31 from 20 balls, Perth capitulated and lost four wickets for just 10 runs.
The bottom-order showed even less resistance for the Scorchers, with the efforts of young all-rounder Cooper Connolly (31) not enough to get them over the line after being dismissed for the final wicket by an incredible boundary catch from James Bazley.
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"On an incredible night, Bazley finishes it off with an absolute beauty," Fox Cricket commentator Mark Howard said.
"The wrist spinners destroy the home side and somehow, the Strikers have got the job done."
Lloyd Pope celebrates with his Adelaide Strikers teammates. Getty
Adelaide's spin duo of Cameron Boyce (3-20) and Lloyd Pope (4-24) proved to be the major difference between the two sides, with the Scorchers rolled for 105 - their lowest total of the season.
After emerging victorious on the road, the Strikers will be forced to travel once again on Monday night when they take on the Brisbane Heat for a chance to book a spot in Wednesday night's decider against the Sydney Sixers.
