Michael Carberry smashed an unbeaten 77 to fire Perth Scorchers to an eight-wicket victory against Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League.
The Hampshire batsman, batting in an unfamiliar position at number four, matched Ben Stokes’ effort yesterday by making 77 from just 37 balls, equalling the quickest half-century for the Scorchers in the process.
The Heat had struggled to post a competitive total after winning the toss at the WACA Ground.
Andrew Flintoff was victim to a stunning catch by Sam Whiteman behind the sticks, and had to depart for just seven but some lusty hitting by Nathan Reardon helped push the score to 134 for seven.
It looked like it would be a tense game when Marcus Harris departed cheaply and Flintoff held on to dismiss Michael Klinger, but Carberry took the game away from the visitors with some devastating blows.
His 37-ball knock included six sixes and he took 18 off Flintoff’s solitary over as the Scorchers cruised to victory, with Middlesex captain Adam Voges at the other end unbeaten on 35.
Perth are now second in the table, level on eight points with leaders Adelaide Strikers. Brisbane sit bottom with just one win from five games.