Adelaide Strikers are sure of a place in the top three of the Big Bash League table after Wes Agar led them to a comfortable 16-run victory over Perth Scorchers on Friday.
Phil Salt's second half-century in his last four games helped the Strikers to 5-181 from their 20 overs, with Jake Weatherald and Travis Head making 35 apiece at Optus Stadium.
That target proved to be well beyond the hosts despite a magnificent knock from Liam Livingstone (79), Wes Agar taking 3-36.
With the win, Adelaide sit in second spot on the BBL ladder and will not have to contest the eliminator round of the play-offs.
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The Scorchers are fourth and can secure a place in the playoffs with a win over Sydney Thunder on Sunday.
SALT SHAKES UP SCORCHERS ATTACK
Opener Salt hit seven boundaries and a pair of maximums in his 31-ball 59, putting on 71 for the opening wicket with Weatherald.
Alex Carey and Head kept the scoreboard ticking with a stand of 43 off 28 balls and Jono Wells' contribution ensured the Strikers had plenty to defend.
A dozen of Wells' 23 runs off 16 balls came via him finding the rope, and those boundaries proved valuable as the Scorchers came up short in response.
LIVINGSTONE GIVES SCORCHERS HOPE106m!
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 24, 2020
HUUUUUUUUGE #BBL09 pic.twitter.com/zmi10D8N65
The Scorchers' top runs scorer in the BBL this season, Livingstone frequently threatened the rafters as he kept the hosts' hopes alive.
The English opener struck seven sixes in his explosive 54-ball knock and showed the ability to do so in unorthodox fashion, with ramp and hook shots sent sailing for six.
However, when man of the match Wes Agar ended his remarkable innings the prospect of a Scorchers victory went with him as they went from 115-5 to finishing on 165-7.
WES WINS BATTLE OF AGARSNo matter the result.. brothers are brothers #BlueEnergy #BBL09 pic.twitter.com/JKJfeOk79E
— Adelaide Strikers (@StrikersBBL) January 24, 2020
Wes Agar also removed opener Josh Inglis and Scorchers captain Mitchell Marsh as he finished with figures of 3-36, ensuring he got the better of his brother Ashton Agar in the process.
Older sibling Ashton Agar took 2-29, dismissing openers Weatherald and Salt, and was unbeaten on 10 with the bat.
He still ended up on the losing side despite his admirable efforts, but was all smiles as he congratulated his younger brother after the match.