Bowlers give Scorchers 10-run win

The Perth Scorchers moved into the top four of the Big Bash League following a comfortable win over the Brisbane Heat at the WACA.

Herschelle Gibbs, with 38 off 22 balls, and Man-of-the-Match Marcus North, who made 40 from 29, got the Scorchers off to a red-hot start on a pitch that looked like a par score would be about 180. But the middle order faltered thanks to some tight bowling from Dan Christian, Michael Nester and Nathan Hurwitz and the hosts limped to a respectable but far from formidable total of 8 for 162. Nester finished with the best figures of 2 for 23, but Hauritz was the most miserly, giving away just 16 runs from his three overs.

The lightning fast outfield and true bounce in the pitch meant the fast bowlers got hit around early, but some expert changes of pace and spin bowling slowed the run-rate and gave the Heat a good chance at registering their first win.

Matthew Hayden got the visitors off to a smooth start before Brad Hogg had him stumped by more than two metres for 33. Heat captain Peter Forrest, who led all scorers with 59, and Andrew Robinson (19) then steadied the ship. Forrest's innings was punctuated by four huge sixes, including one that went on to the roof of the Player's Pavilion. But the pair ate up too many overs and left the likes of Christian with much to do in the latter overs.

Expert death bowlers Ben Edmondson and Nathan Rimmington were able to restrict the runs late while continuing to take wickets, to seal the 10-run win for their side.

The Scorchers move into third place with their next game a trip to Melbourne to face Shane Warne's Stars, while Brisbane remain winless and in seventh place with a tough home fixture against the Adelaide Strikers awaiting them on Tuesday.