Defending champions Perth Scorchers will square off against Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League 2022-23 final on February 4 at the Perth Stadium. The match is scheduled to commence at 1:45 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Perth Scorchers is the most in-form team in the competition, finishing atop the BBL 2022-23 points table, collecting 22 points with 11 wins and three defeats in 14 matches.
The four-time champions got the better of their rivals Sydney Sixers in the Qualifier, registering a seven-wicket win. David Payne (3/33) and skipper Ashton Turner (84* off 47) shone with the ball and bat, respectively, to seal a direct spot in the final.
All eyes will be on Scorchers’ all-rounder Aaron Hardie and pacer Andrew Tye, who have played vital roles in their path to the final. While Hardie has scored 443 runs in 14 matches to feature in BBL 2022-23 top run-scorers, Tye has scalped 25 wickets in 15 fixtures to make it to the list of BBL 2022-23 leading wicket-takers.
On the other hand, Brisbane Heat will feature in only their second final after their title-winning campaign in 2012-13.
Brisbane Heat, who finished fifth in the standings, defeated Sydney Thunder, Melbourne Renegades and Sydney Sixers in the Eliminator, Knockout and Challenger rounds, respectively, to reach the final.
However, they will be without their star quartet of Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Matt Renshaw and Mitchell Swepson for the all-important summit clash since these players are a part of Australia’s squad for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023.
Hence, the onus will be on all-rounder Michael Neser, who has been among the standout performers for the Heat, to spearhead his team’s challenge in the final. Neser has amassed 141 runs and taken 26 wickets in 16 matches so far.
Meanwhile, the Scorchers are the most successful franchise in Big Bash League history. With four trophies already under their belt, they will be looking to go all guns blazing to bag a record-extending fifth trophy.
Where to watch Perth Scorchers vs Brisbane Heat, Big Bash League 2022-23 final live in India?
The Perth Scorchers vs Brisbane Heat Big Bash League 2022-23 final will be telecast live on Sony Ten 5 and Sony Ten 5 HD TV channels in India.
Live streaming of the Big Bash League 2022-23 final will be available on the SonyLIV app and website.
Photo credit: Alamy
