Match 54, Melbourne, January 24, 2023, 01:45 PM
Adelaide Strikers
142/7(20.0ov)
Melbourne Renegades
143/4(18.2ov)
Melbourne Renegades beat Adelaide Strikers by 6 wickets
Best Batsmen
R
B
4S
6S
SR
Best Bowler
O
R
W
Econ
Man of the Match
Aaron Finch
Commentry
That is it then from this game but there's one more day left in the group stages of the Big Bash League 2022-23. On Wednesday, the 25th of January, a couple of crucial games are set to take place with playoffs spots on the line as first, Hobart Hurricanes take on Brisbane Heat at 8.10 am IST (2.40 am GMT). This will be followed by a clash between Melbourne Stars and Sydney Thunder at 1.45 pm IST (8.15 am GMT). You can join us for the early build-up of both those games. Cheers!
Melbourne Renegades skipper, Aaron Finch (63* off 54 balls) is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH. Finch says that he knew that they needed a platform and it is nice to . Adds that the wicket played well once the game went deep. Tells that both teams missed a trick by not getting the ball more in the outfield. Says that both Matt Critchley and Jonathan Wells were calm under pressure. Mentions that the wicket of Colin de Grandhomme was crucial and credits Fawad Ahmed for it and his bowling in general. Ends by saying that it is a good feeling going into the finals.
The Presentation ceremony...
Earlier in the day, Aaron Finch won the toss and opted to chase in a high-pressure game. The wicket had loads in it for the bowlers and Melbourne Renegades were able to take advantage of it. Alex Carey was the only one who stood out with the bat for Adelaide Strikers as he scored 69 runs and that helped them get over the 140-run mark. The Renegades' bowling was solid in general with Tom Rogers and Fawad Ahmed proving to be very economical and the latter picked up three wickets as well. Coming to the chase, Melbourne Renegades faltered at the start but regained their composure and the skipper Aaron Finch led from the front to take them home.
Adelaide Strikers had done well to get to 142 and had a bit of momentum behind them coming into the chase. The bowlers gave them a perfect start as Matthew Short, Wes Agar and Peter Siddle all picked up a wicket in the opening three overs. With the opposition reeling, the Strikers failed to press home the advantage and once Aaron Finch and Matt Critchley got set, the game was taken away from them. In the end, they were humbled and after one of the strongest starts to the competition, the Strikers have crashed and burned.
On a tricky wicket, 143 to chase down wasn't a simple thing to do and Melbourne Renegades lost 3 wickets for just 16 runs in 2.1 overs. They were on the back foot but then came the gritty stand between Aaron Finch and Matt Critchley which was worth 69 runs. Critchley was the aggressor in that but he fell and the onus was on Finch and Jonathan Wells to get the job done. After a sedate start to the partnership, the pair went ballistic in the Power Surge and finished off the game with 9 balls to spare. Finch ended with an unbeaten 63 off 54 balls and sealed the win.
'Cometh the hour and cometh man,' and what a knock this has been Melbourne Renegades skipper Aaron Finch and he has led his side to a memorable victory and into the playoffs as well. It's heartbreak for Adelaide Strikers though and they crash out of the tournament.
In over# 19
1wd
4
4
Peter Siddle 24/1(3.2)
18.3
1wd
An anti-climax in the end! Peter Siddle sways away from his line and serves this full but down the leg side, Jonathan Wells misses his flick. It is called a wide and that is the game. Melbourne Renegades win by six wickets!
18.2
4
FOUR! Powered away! This is full and around leg, Jonathan Wells drills it wide of long on for another boundary. SCORES LEVEL!
18.1
4
FOUR! Up and over! Peter Siddle bowls this on a hard length and on middle, Jonathan Wells slaps it over mid on for a boundary. Melbourne Renegades one bit hit away from victory now.
In over# 18
6
4
0
4
1
0
Wes Agar 32/1(4)
17.6
6
SIX! BOOM! This has gone a long, long way! Wes Agar lands this on a good length and on leg, Aaron Finch gets his front leg out of the way and whips it over the deep square leg fence for a biggie. 9 runs needed in 12 balls now!
17.5
4
FOUR! Beautiful shot! This is a touch fuller and on leg, Aaron Finch makes room and thrashes it towards the vacant long on fence for a boundary. 15 runs needed in 13 balls now!
17.4
.
A good yorker, on middle, Aaron Finch jams it out towards short covers.
17.3
4
FOUR! FIFTY FOR FINCH! He has continued his fine form and will now want to finish this one for his team. Wes Agar bowls this on a good length and outside off, Aaron Finch slices it over backward point for a boundary,
17.2
1
Back of a length and on middle, Jonathan Wells pulls it towards deep square leg to give the strike to Finch.
17.1
.
This is on a good length and on off, Jonathan Wells forces it towards mid-wicket.
The Power Surge has finally been taken by Melbourne Renegades. It will be Wes Agar (3-0-17-1) to bowl the first over of the Surge. Will we see some fireworks here?