Perth Scorchers secure spot in Women’s Big Bash League final

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The move to Perth Stadium has proved no hindrance for the Perth Scorchers, as they secured a spot in the Women's Big Bash League final with a convincing 27-run victory over the Sydney Thunder.

In a result sure to fan the flames of discussion about holding a separate women's finals series to the men, the Scorchers controlled the game from start to finish.

"The way that we played was really pleasing," Scorchers captain Elyse Villani said on Channel 10.

"I spoke to the girls today about how we can't control the outcome, we can only control how we go about playing the game and I think each and every person in the team showed that and played to their strengths."

The match was played as a double header with the men's Scorchers and Hobart Hurricanes semi-final, despite the Scorchers finishing below the Thunder on the ladder in the regular season.

It has raised suggestions from the Sydney Sixers, who finished first but will play the Strikers in Adelaide, that there is no advantage in finishing in the top two for the women's sides, as they lose their home ground advantage by playing at the venue decided by the men's competition.

The sentiment was echoed by Thunder captain Alex Blackwell who said she supported a move to a separate finals series for women.

Convincing win for Scorchers

But none of that worried the Scorchers, as openers Villani (38 from 37 deliveries) and Nicole Bolton (37 from 26) combined for a 65-run opening partnership.

The pair hit a combined 12 boundaries, before a late flourish from Nicole Sciver, who finished unbeaten on 38 from 28 balls, pushed the score out to 148 from 20 overs.

The Thunder's run chase never gathered momentum, as they lost wickets at regular intervals, with Emma King (3/17) doing the damage with the ball.

Fran Wilson provided some resistance for the Sydney side, blasting 46 from 28 balls, but she was let down by the rest of the side, with seven batters failing to make double figures.

The Big Bash League men's and women's finals will be played on Sunday.

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