BBL 07, Match 22 Review: Perth Scorchers pull off a thrilling win against the Renegades
Scorchers chased the total down in the final over and it really was an enthralling exhibition from both these sides.
The Perth Scorchers have done it once again, winning a game completely against the run of play and taking the top spot on the table. It was a top of the table clash between the Renegades and the Scorchers, and it was the latter who survived. Ashton Agar’s calm head somehow sealed a win for the hosts despite some drama towards the end.
The Scorchers earlier had won the toss and elected to bowl first. Despite losing Aaron Finch very early in the innings, Marcus Harris and Cameron White steadied the ship for the Renegades. Harris went berserk during the powerplay phase and made full use of the field restrictions. He smashed a 28-ball 48 and registered a crucial 65-run partnership for the second wicket.
After he departed in the 10th over, it was Cameron White’s opportunity to show his class. White has been in excellent nick this season and had continued that with another brilliant performance. He and Tom Cooper made a mockery of the Scorchers’ bowling attack and stitched a sensational partnership, which lasted till the penultimate ball of their innings.
Cameron White hit some big sixes and Tom Cooper didn’t remain a long distance away. As both these players kept going on about their business, the Renegades’ scoring rate augmented. Cameron White remained unbeaten on 65 off 55 balls, whilst Tom Cooper got out in the final over the innings, not before scoring a scintillating 57 off 34 balls.
The Renegades had posted 185 runs losing just three wickets in the innings. Andrew Tye, the leading wicket-taker of the tournament thus far, picked up two more wickets to keep his place on the top. Barring him, all the other bowlers traveled to all parts and this paved way for a huge total on board for the visitors.
Ashton Turner plays an absolute blinder
Mohammad Nabi provided a perfect start for the Renegades, picking up a wicket off the second ball of the innings. It was the huge wicket of Michael Klinger and number 3 Hilton Cartwright struggled a lot in the middle. He scored a lackluster 22 off 23 balls and exerted more pressure on his middle order to score quickly.
Brad Hogg brought his misery to an end with an absolute peach and David Willey was partnered by Ashton Turner at this point. No one would’ve placed their bets on the Scorchers to go and win the game from here, but Turner and Willey played two amazing knocks to keep their side in the game.
In fact, the way they smashed the Renegades bowlers demoralized the Reds very badly. Turned specifically was in a destructive mood and after a kinky start, Willey was beginning to pick up as well. The duo exhibited high-class power-hitting and added 87 runs for the third wicket. Willey was dismissed by Kane Richardson after a wonderful knock of 55 in 41 balls.
Ashton Turner’s exploits augmented in the next few overs and with him getting to 70 off 31 balls, the required runs came down to 19 off 16 balls. But two run-outs in a very short span of time kept the Renegades in the game.
The game would’ve gone a lot closer given Ashton Agar had not smashed a 13-ball 24 towards the end, which sealed the game for the Scorchers and also took them to the top spot. Scorchers chased the total down in the final over and it really was an enthralling exhibition from both these sides.
Brief Scores
Melbourne Renegades: 185/3 in 20 overs (Cameron White 68, Tom Cooper 57; Andrew Tye 2/36)
Perth Scorchers: 187/5 in 19.5 overs (Ashton Turner 70, David Willey 55, Ashton Agar 27*)
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