They missed out on top spot and potentially a home grand final, but Adelaide Strikers coach Jason Gillespie says it was the right decision to experiment with his side in their BBL loss to Perth.
The Strikers entered the top-of-the-table clash at the WACA Ground knowing a win would give them top spot.
But even if they lost, they would only drop to second - still giving them a home semi-final.
Gillespie decided to rest paceman Peter Siddle (split webbing) in order to give Wes Agar some game time.
But the biggest call was demoting in-form Alex Carey from opener to No.6.
Carey has been in hot form this season.
But given he is unavailable for the BBL finals because of his call-up to Australia's international T20 side, Gillespie decided to open with Jono Dean instead.
Dean made just seven runs off 15 balls, with Carey (25 off 10) only entering the fray in the 16th over.
The Strikers made just 6-137 and the Scorchers reached the target with three balls to spare.
If both the Scorchers and Strikers win their semi-finals, the Scorchers will host the decider because they finished higher on the ladder.
But Gillespie said he didn't regret his decision not to open with Carey, and said the move couldn't be blamed for the team's loss.
"We found ourselves in a unique position for this game where we had already secured a home semi-final," Gillespie said.
"If ever there was a time to experiment a little bit, tonight was the night.
"You don't come close to winning trophies with just 11 players. It's got to be a squad mentality, and Alex was all for it.
"He understood from a team point of view and a squad mentality that it was the right call. And he fully supported that.
"Same as Pete Siddle - he knew that the opportunity for Wes to have a game was going to benefit the team moving forward. He was happy."
Afghan spinner Rashid Khan starred with the ball for the Strikers, claiming 3-20 by unleashing a series of mesmerising wrong-uns.
Khan will be available for Adelaide's semi-final, but won't be there for the title decider because of international duties.
Gillespie said Liam O'Connor would come into the selection mix if the Strikers reach the final.
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