Jayawardene hit four boundaries during his crucial innings of 42

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Former Sri Lanka batsman Mahela Jayawardene scored 42 to help the Adelaide Strikers defeat the Perth Scorchers, who are the reigning Big Bash League (BBL) champions, by four wickets.

Jayawardene was well supported by Alex Ross, who smashed a vital 38 towards the end of the Strikers’ chase.

Scorchers captain Adam Voges would have been brooding over his decision to bat first as he and Shaun Marsh were the only two batsmen to have an impact with the bat.

Marsh made 47 off 35 balls, which included four boundaries and two sixes, while Voges struck an unbeaten 45, which came off 32 deliveries and included four boundaries and a six.

Thanks to Marsh and Voges, the Scorchers finished on 151/6 off their 20 overs.

Adil Rashid and Ben Laughlin picked up two wickets apiece, while Michael Neser and Travis Head chipped in with one wicket each.

Chasing 152 to win, the Strikers got off to a poor start before Jayawardene came in and scored 42 off 40 balls, which included four boundaries.

Ross took over after Jayawardene was dismissed and ended up making 38 off 29 deliveries, which included four boundaries and two sixes.

In the end, Jayawardene and Ross’ innings proved crucial as the Strikers crossed the finish line with five balls to spare.

Joel Paris and David Willey snapped up two wickets apiece, while Nathan Coulter-Nile and Andrew Tye claimed one wicket each.

In a rather surprising move, Rashid was named Man of the Match.