MELBOURNE: Melbourne Renegades claimed their second victory of the ongoing edition of Big Bash League (BBL), thanks to their bowlers who bowled out Melbourne Stars for 125 in the first innings.
The Renegades’ bowling attack wreaked havoc over the Stars batting line-up; dismissing them for a paltry 125. Later, their batters chased down the target with five wickets in hand in 18 overs.
Batting first, the Stars had a poor start to their inning; losing their first wicket for just 13. Travis Dean and Charlie Wakim, on the other hand, resisted a bit, but, could not partner for long, as Wakim departed after scoring 12.
The Stars then began to lose wickets at an alarming rate, with none of their batters could able to go big; the side, in the end, bundled out for a skimpy 125. Hilton Cartwright top-scored, with his 41. He faced 29 balls, including four boundaries and a six.
For the Renegades, Kane Richardson, Reece Topley, and Nid Maddinson starred; each taking three wickets. Jack Prestwidge, on the other hand, made one scalp.
Set to chase 126, the Renegades too, fumbled in the start; losing their first wicket for just 10. However, the skipper – Aaron Finch and Shaun Marsh partnered strongly to keep their side out of trouble. The pair added 63 runs for the second wicket before Marsh departed. He managed to score 21 off 17 balls, including two boundaries.
Finch, on the other hand, put on his half-century and departed soon after, as Pakistani speedster – Haris Rauf took a blinder at the long-on boundary. For his individual score of 50, Finch faced 40 deliveries; smoking three boundaries and two sixes.
Following his dismissal, the side then slipped to 91/5, as Mohammad Nabi bagged a golden duck. Mackenzie Harvey and James Seymour, however, held their nerves calm and took their side over the line with 12 balls to spare.
Harvey scored a sensible 23, while Seymour scored an important 17.
For the Stars, Tom O’Connell claimed two wickets, while Qais Ahmad, Ahmed Daniyal, and Rauf shared one wicket apiece.
With the second victory in the ongoing edition of BBL, the Renegades have switched places with the Stars; claiming the sixth position.
