Twitter Reactions: Melbourne Renegades leave Brisbane Heat’s campaign in the doldrums

The Melbourne Renegades have managed to get their campaign in this Big Bash League (BBL) back on track with back-to-back victories. They now have defeated Brisbane Heat by eight wickets at The Gabba in Brisbane and subsequently moved to the second position of the points table. The Heat, after their fourth defeat, are precariously placed at the seventh position above cellar dwellers Perth Scorchers.

Baz plays a lone hand

Melbourne Renegades did an excellent job after winning the toss as they restricted the Heat to 144 for eight in 20 overs. The opening pair of Max Bryant and Brendon McCullum put on 39 runs for the first wicket in five overs. Left-armer Usman Shinwari drew first blood with the wicket of Bryant, who promised to get going with a knock of 18 from 16 deliveries. In the last 15 overs, the Heat could only manage 105 runs.

McCullum accomplished his half-century in 46 balls with three fours and a six, but leg-spinner Cameron Boyce accounted for his wicket. Ben Cutting threatened with a knock of 20 runs from 10 balls with two fours and a six. Unfortunately, Joe Mennie dismissed him. For Melbourne Renegades, Shinwari was the most successful with three wickets. Boyce got a couple while Mennie and Jack Wildermuth got one each.

Harper guides Renegades home

Mackenzie Harvey and Marcus Harris got their team off to a blistering start courtesy of a stand of 37 runs from 22 balls that laid the platform for the rest of the run-chase. Brendan Doggett got the first wicket in the form of Harvey, who scored 10 runs with one hit over the ropes. In the very next over, Afghan spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman castled Harris after the left-hander scored 28 runs from 18 balls.

Thereafter Sam Harper and skipper Tom Cooper made sure that the Renegades don’t suffer any more hiccup as they won with 26 balls to spare. The duo stitched together an unbeaten stand of 106 runs from 68 balls to see the chasing team through. Harper went on to score 56 runs from 40 balls with seven fours and a six and was also crowned as the Player of the Match. Cooper scored 36 runs from 28 balls.

Here is how Twitter reacted

Great win @RenegadesBBL super knock by @tomcooper26 & young Sam Harper to get us home!! Top 2!! #BBL08

— Peter Helliar (@pjhelliar) January 10, 2019

Two Man of the Matches in a row for Sam Harper. As impressive a young player and young man as there is in Australian cricket. Made for it. #BBL08

— Signature Sport (@signature_sport) January 10, 2019

Sam Harper’s post-game interview after man of the match maiden 50 is so good! Love the kid! #BBL08 #GetOnRed

— Michael Randall (@MickRandallHS) January 10, 2019

What a win! We remain undefeated against the @HeatBBL at The Gabba! @sammyharps1 and @tomcooper26 huge with the bat.

We are now 4-3 for the season.

Next stop @GMHBA Stadium in Geelong against the @HeatBBL on Sunday Jan 13.🔴⚫#GETONRED #BBL08 pic.twitter.com/cCIP8pRKVm

— Melbourne Renegades (@RenegadesBBL) January 10, 2019

On another note, how good has Sam Harper been so far this @BBL Amazing what happens when young lads get a fair go at the next level #gun #pocketrocket

— Lachlan Dinger (@lachydinger) January 10, 2019

A wonderful performance tonight in the BBL from a fine, young man @sammyharps1 #BBL #samharper #renegades

— Julian Mutton (@jcmutton) January 10, 2019

Sam Harper u are a star #getonred #runmachine

— Pudja Rutley (@Pudja_10) January 10, 2019

After 2 straight wins, the @HeatBBL come crashing back down to earth suffering their 7th straight loss to the @RenegadesBBL thanks to a 105 run partnership between Sam Harper and Tom Cooper. The pitch quickened up as it went on and the Renegades made the most of it #BBL08 #BBL

— Trystan Spooner (@TrystanSpooner) January 10, 2019

Is Sam Harper the new Steve Smith? Elegant, balance, timing and mighty power #BBL08 @BBL

— Andy Warr (@andywarr262) January 10, 2019

The story of Sam Harper, looks like Jane but plays like Tarzan #BBL08

— Aussieruled ⚡ (@aussieruled) January 10, 2019

SAM HARPER THE FINISHER HOW OFTEN HAS HE DONE IT FOR RED MELBOURNE #BBL08

— Laura (@zoidberg_cool) January 10, 2019

Sam Harper has thrived with the added responsibility with the bat for the @RenegadesBBL. He's becoming one of the players of the tournament when you add his exceptional wicket keeping. #BBL08

— Adam White (@White_Adam) January 10, 2019

Well played Sam Harper 👏👏

— Darren Berry (@ChuckBerry1969) January 10, 2019

Fifty for Sam Harper! How impressive has his innings been! #BBL08

— Manya (@CSKian716) January 10, 2019

Can the Renegades keep Sam Harper after the school holidays?

— Daniel Cherny 📰 (@DanielCherny) January 10, 2019

I’m really enjoying watching Sam Harper this season #Renegades #BBL8 #MCC

— Marcella Torre (@MarcelTorre) January 10, 2019

Does Sam Harper get a call up to the Renegades if Finch and Harris aren't Test openers at the start of the summer? Maybe not. Blessing in disguise for the Gades. He's a beauty #bbl08

— Tim Michell (@tim_michell) January 10, 2019

Sam Harper can play. The Renegades would be pretty happy with what the pocket rocket has delivered. #BBL08

— Luke D'Anello (@LukeDAnello) January 10, 2019

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