Cooper Connolly, 19, described winning the Big Bash League (BBL) title with the Perth Scorchers as a “dream come true” moment. Connolly had the innings of his life on Saturday, going unbeaten on 25 off 11 balls in the BBL final against the Brisbane Heat at Perth Stadium.
Prior to the final, Connolly had only batted once in three BBL matches, with a top score of 20. But the big stage didn’t phase the southpaw in the least. The Scorchers won with three balls to spare thanks to his cameo, which included one four and two sixes.
“Pretty good for me. I wanted to keep my shape and hit through the line. At 19 to have this crowd cheer for me, couldn’t have asked for anything better. Today was the best opportunity for all of us to chip in, a dream come true to win a Big Bash title,” Connolly was quoted as saying after the match.
COOOOOOPPPPP!
No one gets a bigger roar from the Optus Stadium crowd. Unreal #BBL12 #BBLFinals pic.twitter.com/KXJOsOWo1E
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) February 4, 2023
Cooper Conolly made headlines with his performance
With 38 runs needed off the final 18 balls, the Heat were in command, especially after Josh Inglis and Ashton Turner returned to the pavilion.
Connolly, on the other hand, hit James Bazley for 18 runs, including two sixes and a four, to put the Scorchers back in contention for victory. In the final over, Nick Hobson hit Michael Neser for a six and a four to secure the victory for the Scorchers.
Skipper Turner, who became the first Scorchers batter to score 2000 runs in the BBL, was pleased with his team’s performance. He was also named Player of the Match.
“It’s a surreal feeling. We have a lot of guys in form. There’s been a lot of guys who have contributed to the team. We have played an exciting brand of cricket,” Turner said. The Scorchers chased down 176 in 19.3 overs.
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