Tearaway quick Jason Behrendorff picked up where he left off last season but just missed leading the Perth Scorchers to a dramatic victory over the Adelaide Strikers.
In a display which is sure to put him in the front of the minds of World Cup selectors, the left hander took 4 for 22, the best figures of his career.
“Happy with how I went but of course it was disappointing we couldn’t get the result tonight,” the 24-year-old told Channel 10.
Despite the loss on the second last ball of the innings, Behrendorff picked up the Man of the Match award and the best figures of the Big Bash so far this season.
“Very happy with the way I’m going but unfortunately we couldn’t get the win … but we’ll tinker with a few things and bounce back on Boxing Day.”
Having joined Emageo earlier this week, Behrendorff bowled with his trademark swing and pace claiming the big scalps of big hitting Tim Ludeman (17), West Indian powerhouse Kieron Pollard (15), captain Johan Botha (4) and former team mate Craig Simmons (12).
But it wasn’t just the wickets where he stood out, the left hander also adding 13 invaluable dot balls.
Chasing a modest 147 for victory the game was in the balance with Adelaide needing seven runs off the final three balls with just one wicket remaining.
With tension mounting tail-ender Adam Zampa proved the unlikely hero with a huge six over midwicket. The 22-year-old and the Strikers were celebrating next ball when Scorchers’ quick Yasa Arafat bowled an above-the-waist full toss to give them the win.
Wily veteran Brad Hodge was key to Adelaide’s success with 42 off 36 balls.
While Perth had six batsmen make double figures in their total of 146, only Michael Klinger managed to pass 30.
The number three top scored with 49 from 33, while on debut Marcus Harris made a quick fire 26 at the top of the order.
Aussie paceman Kane Richardson was the best of the Adelaide bowlers with 3 for 31, while spinners Johan Botha and Adam Zampa bowled tight and took a wicket apiece.