Reigning champions Perth Scorchers have leapt to the top of the Big Bash table with a comprehensive nine-wicket victory over the struggling Sydney Sixers in front of another packed house at The Furness.
On a day where the Englishmen in the tournament made their mark, with Luke Wright's heroics to earning the Stars a Melbourne derby win over the Renegades, David Willey earned man-of-the-match honours, taking 3-22, as the Scorchers held the edge over Michael Lumb's lone hand of 47 off 45 balls for the Sixers.
Ravaged by injuries and hampered by international call-ups, the visitors were indebted to the Nottinghamshire opener as he saw his team-mates Ed Cowan and skipper Nic Maddinson dismissed by Willey in the Powerplay.
Ravi Bopara and Rob Key look back at the key events from today's Big Bash games.
Lumb and Ryan Carters (27 off 29) at least gave the innings a little impetus with a stand of 34 for the sixth wicket but the excellent Scorchers bowlers never let them get away.
Jason Behrendorff (2-24) and Andrew Tye (2-21) kept up the pressure as none of the Scorchers bowlers conceded more than a run-a-ball and the Sixers stuttered to a well-under-par 112-8 in their 20 overs - the lowest full 20-over score in BBL05.
It was never likely to be enough to challenge the in-form Scorchers openers - especially given the side average 104.25 across their previous five opening partnerships.
It was something of a surprise then that Michael Klinger, the BBL's leading run scorer in history, made only 28 off 22 balls before he fell to Sean Abbott.
Shaun Marsh smashed 63 from 54 balls to help the Scorchers secure a comfortable nine-wicket win
But Shaun Marsh sent yet another reminder to the Australian selectors of what they are missing with an unbeaten 63 off 54 balls - including eight fours and three sixes - to take the Perth side to victory with 33 balls to spare. The Scorchers have lost just two wickets in their last three BBL matches, scoring 403 runs in the process.
Lifting his second man-of-the-match award at home, Willey said, "Credit to the bowlers, everyone did their job and that's all you can ask for."
The next Big Bash action live on Sky Sports is an absolute must-win for the Brisbane Heat, who are winless at the foot of the table. They take on the impressive Sydney Thunder at The Gabba on Sky Sports 2 HD from 8am on Sunday.
