MELBOURNE: Hobart Hurricanes’ bowler Tom Rogers returned with a scintillating bowling figure of 3/35 to help the Hurricanes beat Melbourne Renegades by six runs in the 53rd match of the ongoing Big Bash League.
Set to chase 183, the Renegades fell six runs short despite Aaron Finch’s 75 as the Hurricanes bowlers held their nerves calm to restrict the home side for 176 in the allotted 20 overs.
At the toss, the Hurricanes elected to bat first. However, the side could not get off to an ideal start as they lost their first wicket for a mere 12 runs. Caleb Jewell and Matthew Wade then anchored the innings with a brilliant 67-runs partnership. The pair took the side to 79 in the 11th over before Jewell departed. He scored 35 off 28 balls and smoked three boundaries and a six.
Soon after, Wade also walked back to the pavilion after scoring 48; missing his half-century by just two runs. The left-handed batter faced 39 deliveries and hit four boundaries and a six.
Tim David’s late onslaught took the Hurricanes to 182/5 in their quota of 20 overs. David smashed a quickfire 46 off just 20 balls, laced with two boundaries and four sixes.
For the Renegades, Cameron Boyce and Josh Lalor bagged two wickets each, while Zak Evans made one scalp.
Renegades, set to chase 183, had a decent start to their innings as the opening pair of Finch James Seymour provided a 37-runs opening stand. Seymour, who was sailing the ball all over the park perished after scoring a quick 24 off 13 balls and smashed four boundaries and a six.
Following his departure, Finch then partnered with Shaun Marsh and the pair put on a century partnership for the second wicket. The Renegades appeared to be in a solid position but, Marsh perished after scoring a magnificent half-century. He scored 51 off 38 balls.
With the Marsh’s departure, the Renegades began to lose wickets at an alarming rate as the top-scorer for the side – Finch also walked back to the pavilion after scoring 75 off 52 balls. He smoked seven boundaries and a maximum, but, could not guide the Renegades to the victory.
For the Hurricanes, Rogers starred with the ball; taking three wickets, while Sandeep Lamichhane took two. Riley Meredith, on the other hand, bagged one wicket.
