Cameron Bancroft and Ashton Turner put on a sublime 98-run partnership to steer Perth Scorchers to a seven-wicket victory over Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League.
Daniel Hughes (36) and Moises Henriques (38) had done their part to help the Sixers to a decent total of 5-177 at Perth Stadium.
But Bancroft, who carried his bat in an unbeaten 87, and captain Turner (60) provided key contributions in a huge third-wicket stand to help the Scorchers complete the chase and earn a second consecutive win with seven balls to spare.
It was Bancroft's highest score since his nine-month domestic ban for his role in Australia's ball-tampering scandal in South Africa last year came to an end last month.
MORE: BBL08: Scorchers’ Michael Klinger dismissed off seventh ball of over against Sixers |
Bancroft and Turner's heroics ensured that a controversial dismissal for veteran Michael Klinger, which came off a miscounted delivery, did not prove costly.
BANCROFT MAKES HEADLINES FOR RIGHT REASONS
For well-publicised reasons, 2018 was a year to forget for Bancroft, but more performances like this will help to restore a damaged reputation.
Bancroft's timing was impeccable throughout an unbeaten 61-ball knock, the opener stroking eight fours and adding one six in a measured knock, fittingly sealing the win with a shot carved over the off side for four.
Turner also put on a classy show, with his innings coming off just 30 deliveries and including four fours and three sixes.
UMPIRES DROP CLANGER OVER KLINGER
On a different day, Klinger's dismissal may have been more of an issue.
The veteran opener was caught at third man by Steve O'Keefe off a Ben Dwarshuis delivery after the umpires checked to make sure it had carried, but the ball controversially came off a miscounted seventh ball in Perth's innings.
As it was, Bancroft and Turner's heroics ensured the error did little damage.
SIXERS FALL JUST SHORT
The Sixers got contributions all across the board, with Hughes (36 off 29 balls) and skipper Henriques (38 off 21) leading the way.
James Vince (28) and Josh Philippe (19 not out) also made starts, but ultimately there was little to deny Bancroft and the Scorchers.