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Perth Scorchers reach Big Bash final

Perth Scorchers reach Big Bash final
© PA Photos
Shane Warne's Melbourne Stars lose out in the semi-finals of the Big Bash League against the Perth Scorchers.

The Perth Scorchers have reached the final of the Big Bash League in Australia thanks to an eight-wicket victory over the Melbourne Stars this afternoon.

In what turned out to be a rain-affected encounter, Shane Warne's Melbourne opened the batting.

Opener Cameron White top scored for the Stars with a knock of 88 from just 53 balls before he was caught by Herschelle Gibbs.

An unbeaten contribution of 70 from Brad Hodge, who had replaced White, helped the Stars end their 18-over innings on 182-3.

In reply, the Scorchers were reduced to 13 overs because of the wet conditions, which under the Duckworth Lewis ruling meant that their victory target was 139.

Shaun Marsh put them in contention with 68 runs from 40 deliveries before he was caught by Hodge.

Adam Voges and Mike Hussey then continued that work and left Perth needing two runs of the last ball to advance through to the final.

It was left to Hussey, who sent the ball over the Melbourne field and away for four to book his side's place in the showpiece event.

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Perth Scorchers' Shaun Marsh on October 21, 2012
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