A late assault from Darren Sammy proved in vain for Hobart Hurricanes as Perth Scorchers moved back to the top of the Big Bash League table and secured a semi-final berth with a thrilling one-run victory at Bellerive Oval. The Hurricanes required 41 from 16 balls to complete a pursuit of 174 when Sammy strode to the crease, but the West Indies all-rounder did his best to rescue the situation with some typically powerful blows.
However, Sammy could not quite get his side over the line, with three superb yorkers from Andrew Tye (1-32) in the final over proving decisive as the reigning champions prevailed. Tye did err once in his last set of six and was heavily punished as Sammy, who finished unbeaten on 28 off 12 deliveries, flayed the ball over point for his second maximum, leaving six needed from two.
The next ball was back in the blockhole, though, and Sammy - who chose to keep the strike as Jonathan Wells (20) was run out seeking a bye - could only manage a four down the ground as Tye rounded things off with a low full-toss.
Two England internationals made significant contributions for the Scorchers, man of the match Michael Carberry marking his return to the side with 62 from 35 deliveries before David Willey starred with bat and ball. Willey's nine-ball 25 lifted the Scorchers, captained by Adam Voges on his return from international duty, to 173-5 and the left-armer then returned 1-23 from four overs as Hobart came up short.
Skipper Tim Paine underpinned the Hurricanes' chase with 57 from 47 balls, but the required run-rate was above 12 by the time he was bowled by Ashton Agar (2-38). Hobart now need to win their last game and hope a number of results go their way in order to qualify for the last four.
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