Gibbs relief at narrow win

Perth Scorchers batsman Herschelle Gibbs felt his side were lucky to emerge from their clash against the Brisbane Heat on Thursday with a win.

Gibbs – one of Perth's two overseas players – blasted 38 from 22 balls at the top of the order as he combined for an 80-run partnership inside eight overs with Marcus North for the opening wicket.

But after that Perth lost their way, finishing with a score of 8-162, which saw the winless Heat come within 10 runs of the Scorchers' total.

Gibbs felt that his side did not score enough runs and were lucky that Brisbane were without a win and low on confidence.

"I think we were probably 20 runs short," Gibbs said after the close win.

"I probably think that if we played a team that maybe (had) won one or two games it might have been a different story. (They) obviously they haven't won a game yet and (are) lacking a bit of confidence."

"There's a fine line between success and failure in this game. The ball did obviously well enough to restrict them and we got early wickets which was important. We pulled it off. (It was) lucky but we'll take it."

Gibbs is delighted with his KFC Twenty20 Big Bash League experience so far, with the South African clearly enjoying life in Perth.

"I've settled in nicely and (I'm) comfortable," he said.

"The lads are good, the facilities are fantastic. I was very happy when Mickey (Arthur, former coach) phoned me to come over here and I jumped at the opportunity. So far so good."

Gibbs – who still wants to play international cricket for his country – played a key role in Perth's second win in a row and it is no coincidence that both victories came in matches where the Scorchers scored well at the top of the order.

"I think it's important (opening partnerships) in any form of the game, especially the Twenty20," he said.

"Your first duty is to obviously capitalise on the (fielding) restriction. Marshy (Shaun Marsh) last game did it for us and Marcus (North) did it this game."

"It's just unfortunate the middle order haven't really had a proper go yet (but) they'll obviously will make a contribution as the competition goes on."

Next on the agenda for Perth is a trip to Melbourne to face Shane Warne and the Melbourne Stars at the MCG on January 4.

"I think they're also a little bit under pressure, having lost. We've got the momentum irrespective of who we play against. As great as 'Warney' is, you can't think about that, we know what we need to do. That's play good cricket and competitive cricket."