Melbourne Renegades 150 for six (Sutherland 70, Rogers 49*, Morris 2-21, Behrendorff 2-22) beat Perth Scorchers 147 for 8 (Agar 51*, Hardie 34, Zampa 3-27, Sutherland 2-22) by 4 wickets
Chasing 148, Renegades had been in disarray at 10 for 4 earlier than Sutherland got here to his aspect’s rescue with 70 off 45 balls. He mixed with Rogers in a outstanding 92-run partnership to inch ‘Gades nearer to victory.
However Sutherland fell with 12 runs wanted and 7 balls left to arrange a grandstand end. After the primary ball of the ultimate over by fast Matt Kelly was caught off a waist excessive no ball, Rogers clubbed a six off the second ball and he sealed Renegades’ gorgeous win with a boundary off the fourth ball. He completed 49 not out off 31 balls.
It was an vital win for Renegades, who be a part of Scorchers with 3-4 information. However the win got here at a value with batter Jonathan Wells struggling a hamstring harm whereas fielding.
Sutherland, Rogers present heroics after top-order collapse
Having struggled because the Pakistan white-ball collection, Jake Fraser-McGurk moved down a spot however it didn’t do the trick after he fell in ugly vogue for a golden duck. He tried to slice a brief supply from Behrendorff however may solely edge behind the place Finn Allen took a pointy catch excessive to his proper with the gloves.
Jacob Bethell and Laurie Evans, who grew to become a Scorchers cult hero final season, additionally could not deal with the strain as Renegades solely simply handed the bottom ever rating in a powerplay. Sutherland and Marcus Harris, nearly batting in red-ball cricket mode, had been compelled to grind it out.
Harris fell simply earlier than drinks, however Sutherland had discovered his rhythm and took a liking to the older ball. He discovered a prepared companion in Rogers, who was additionally adventurous to spark a outstanding revival.
Sutherland had a reprieve on 40 when substitute fielder Andrew Tye dropped an opportunity on the deep midwicket boundary. He rolled to his half-century off 31 balls and appeared set to get them dwelling.
He wasn’t there on the finish, however Rogers stepped up on the loss of life.
Scorchers tempo assault rampant early earlier than falling off
After Agar’s momentum-shifting knock, Scorchers felt rejuvenated and secure within the information that they’ve defended comparable scores over time. Behrendorff has usually ignited these well-known wins and he did so once more with a blistering opening spell.
However Scorchers’ quicks had been rattled by Sutherland and struggled for the second straight sport on the loss of life overs as their finals hopes took a success. Kelly was the short focused by Renegades and he struggled to ship within the remaining over.
Renegades bowl beautifully till the loss of life
After electing to bowl, Renegades assault appeared set for a tricky time with in-form opener Allen going berserk early. Rogers erred by bowling too quick, however shortly adjusted and beautifully attacked the stumps with the ball transferring off the seam.
Zampa eliminated Nick Hobson with a superb googly, however largely used refined variations to good impact. Renegades nearly submitted a close to flawless bowling efficiency earlier than a tardy effort on the loss of life nearly proved deadly.
Marsh fails, Agar offers late spark
Marsh’s first BBL sport in three years compelled a reshuffle of Scorchers’ batting order with Aaron Hardie elevated to open after taking his place having tweaked his stomach in opposition to Sydney Thunder.
After temporary fireworks from Allen, Marsh arrived within the third over and acquired a thunderous ovation from the 31,795 crowd. There had been a lot anticipation over the hometown hero’s return with Marsh splashed all around the native paper’s again web page.
A pumped-up Marsh skipped to the crease and doubtless glad that he didn’t need to face tormentor Jasprit Bumrah. However Sutherland executed an inswinging supply that might have earned Bumrah’s nod of approval as he trapped Marsh plumb lbw.
After a delayed begin to the season because of a quad pressure, Hardie has struggled as a specialist batter and his woes continued. Mistimed pictures left him pissed off earlier than he fell on the primary ball of the ability surge after a thick exterior edge flew straight to quick third.
Scorchers had been in massive hassle earlier than Agar, getting back from again spasms, produced clear hitting marked by a number of large blows down the bottom.
Tristan Lavalette is a journalist based mostly in Perth
