Perth scorched by on-song Strikers

The match in one tweet: Perth scorched! Rashid spins a web, Mahela masterclass sees Strikers home as Voges fifty and Agar screamer go in vain #BBL05

The hero: Sri Lanka Mahela Jayawardena gets the nod after doing exactly what he was signed for: using all his experience to steer the Strikers toward safety in a tricky run chase against a quality bowling attack. Granted, Jayawardena wasn't there at the death (he was out with 21 needed from 21), but in collecting 42 from 40, he negotiated Adelaide through the most difficult part of the chase.

The support cast: The Strikers' English leg-spinner Adil Rashid was outstanding in the dual role of wicket-taker and run-saver, putting a dent in the Scorchers' innings as he deceived middle-order men Michael Carberry (5) and Mitchell Marsh (1) in quick succession. Alex Ross continued to go strength to strength as one of the country's most impressive young limited-overs batsmen, this time with a composed 38 from 29 to all but finish the job and make it two in a row for the Strikers.

The catch: John Dyson, anyone? Ashton Agar is renowned as an athletic fieldsman and has pulled off a few screamers in his brief career already, however he'll do well to match this ridiculous effort for the rest of his playing days.

WATCH: Agar takes one of the greats

The shot: Voges has been a habitual reverse sweeper this summer in the Test team, but showed there are more tricks in his arsenal with this outrageous shot from Kane Richardson.

WATCH: Agar flicks Richardson for six

The consolation efforts: Voges helped the Scorchers to a competitive total and ensured the defending champs would make a game of it with a typically fighting half-century that combined discretion with ingenuity.

The talking point: Nathan Coulter-Nile has had a horror run with injury over the past couple of seasons and unfortunately that looks to have continued. What initially seemed like an innocuous slip in the field was actually a dislocated shoulder and another untimely stint on the sidelines for the gifted Scorchers allrounder.

WATCH: Coulter-Nile leaves field with injury

The stat: Despite making the Big Bash Final each and every season, the Scorchers have never won the first match of their season. The trend continues.

The wash-up: Adelaide unbeaten, continuing on their impressive regular-season form from BBL|04. Ross's form is a major boost for Jason Gillespie's side while the Scorchers are left licking their wounds, and will front up for their next match – against the Heat on Boxing Day – without their Test stars and probably Coulter-Nile. 

WATCH: Marsh monsters massive six

The teams