The Sydney Thunder's Big Bash Twenty/20 cricket season is all but over following a crushing nine-wicket loss to Perth that was triggered by the controversial dismissals of openers Chris Gayle and Usman Khawaja.
The Thunder, who now have just two wins from six games and are only a mathematical finals chance, never recovered from the questionable decisions - which reduced them to 34 for 2 on their way to a dismal 99 all out.
The Scorchers never looked in danger of not reaching the target, which they polished off with more than five overs to spare thanks to a 103-run partnership between Mitch Marsh (64) and Marcus North (38).
The victory moves the Scorchers to the top of the ladder on 10 points, and all but secures them a home final.
Khawaja (8) was unimpressed when given out caught behind by umpire Mick Martell but was given no respite from third umpire Michael Kumutat, who has the option of overturning incorrect decisions.
Instead, it was Gayle who had a decision overruled after he had charged to 20 and survived a loud appeal.
Kumutat, without the use of traditional review methods Hotspot and Snicko, found enough in the replays to remove a clearly bemused Gayle.
