Young guns roll Thunder, take Scorchers top

The match in a tweet: Young guns scorch Thunder! Agar, Bancroft put on a clinic to get Perth to 5-175, & even Dre-Russ fireworks can't get Thunder rolling #BBL05

Watch: Amazing Agar

The heroes: We've heard plenty in recent seasons about the KFC Big Bash being an opportunity for the veterans to shine. But tonight at Spotless Stadium, we were given a flash forward to the future of Australian cricket, courtesy of Cameron Bancroft (72 from 54) and Ashton Agar (68 from 34). At 3-64 in the 11th over, the Scorchers were looking at an under-par total, particularly with big guns Michael Klinger (0) and Shaun Marsh (28) back in the sheds. Both young batsmen have been talked about as future stars of Australian cricket, and they showed exactly why, Agar striking the ball particularly cleanly and Bancroft belying his reputation as a gritty, pedestrian run-scorer by matching his younger counterpart just about stroke for stroke. It was exhilarating batting as the pair piled on 105 runs from 51 deliveries to put their side on the box seat for victory.

Watch: Bancroft bludgeons 72

The victim: Shane Watson won the toss, bowled first and looked to have made the right call early with the Scorchers 2-1. He then got spanked for 0-38 from four overs, made a handy 18 before chopping on, much to his own dismay - see below. All in all, it was a night to forget for the veteran allrounder. 

Watch: Wicket leaves Watson wondering... 

The turning point: The Thunder were always up against it chasing 176 but at 2-42 after six and with Shane Watson having just taken Joel Paris for three fours in an over, they were certainly in the fight. From the next two overs, bowled by David Willey and Brad Hogg respectively, the Thunder scored only six runs. And the pressure told. Watson lashed out three balls into Andrew Tye's next over and chopped on. With the veteran trudging off, it appeared the home team's hopes were going with him.  

The support cast: The Scorchers bowling attack have a reputation for combining to dry up runs, create pressure, and subsequently take wickets. And with a big score to defend tonight, that's exactly what they did. Jason Behrendorff took his customary wicket at the top of the order, Brad Hogg spun a web, and just about all else went to plan for the most complete bowling unit in the competition.

The consolation efforts: Clint McKay (1-20) and Andre Russell (2-31) burst out of the blocks with a wicket each in the opening two overs as the Scorchers stumbled to 2-1. It was the perfect beginning from the opening pair, but things fell apart from there. And then there was the Dre-Russ knock ... sit back and enjoy. 

Watch: Dre-Russ's batting blitz

The stat: The Scorchers blasted 118 runs from their last 10 overs. It was a match-winning period. 

The stare: Dre-Russ was not impressed when Agar got a little bit lucky from his bowling. Watch below.

Watch: Agar cops the Dre-Russ stare

The wash-up: Three losses on the bounce means the Thunder are now three and three and are suddenly no guarantee to make the finals. They'll be desperate to win one of their next two to lock in a maiden finals appearance. The Scorchers meanwhile, head to the top of the ladder - a position they've occupied often in Big Bash history. 

The next stops: The Scorchers go from Sydney to Hobart for a Sunday afternoon encounter with the Hurricanes, while the Thunder host the Renegades the following day.