BBL 07, Match 35, Review: Adelaide Strikers thump Renegades by 26 runs in their den

Adelaide Strikers have defeated Melbourne Renegades by 26 runs at Docklands Stadium in Melbourne in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL). It was a thoroughly professional performance from the visitors as they equalled Scorchers in terms of points with their seventh win of the season. They have also sealed the home finals now after winning this game. Renegades, however, are not out of the contest still and have to win both their remaining games to avoid depending on other teams in the end.

The hosts won the toss and opted to bowl first as Kieron Pollard replaced Mohammad Nabi into the side to further bolster their batting. For Strikers, their skipper Travis Head returned to lead the side after playing in the ongoing ODI series against England. They suffered an early jolt as the opener Jake Weatherald was castled by Chris Tremain. But what followed later was an assault from the confident Alex Carey and Colin Ingram well supported by Head.

Both added 48 runs for the second day before the dangerous Carey was dismissed by Jack Wildermuth. Ingram then staying put to his reputation scored heavily pummelling the bowlers of Renegades. He smashed an unbeaten 68 off just 36 deliveries with four boundaries and 5 huge maximums. Head too assisted him well with a 47 ball 58-run knock as the visitors ended with an above par total of 173 runs for the loss of five wickets.

Dwayne Bravo was the most successful bowler for the home side and returned with the figures of 2/30. But his allies disappointed leaking a lot of runs at the death.

Struggling chase

Melbourne Renegades had conceded a little too many on a slow and low wicket and it was evident once they came out to bat. Though the openers started off well they found it tough to score boundaries consistently. Marcus Harris especially struggled eating up 31 balls for 25 runs. The wickets kept on tumbling at the regular intervals with the pressure of the asking rate mounting enormously. Eventually, they fell short by 26 runs and could score only 147 runs in their 20 overs.

As usual, Rashid Khan was at his best picking key wickets of Cameron White and Dwayne Bravo. The catch of the latter was an example of athleticism as it caught the attention of everyone. Ben Laughlin first took a brilliant catch in the deep but when he realised that he was losing his balance, he threw it with the power to Weatherald, who was a fair distance away from him, took a sensational rebound. The catch is being touted as the best of the season so far now.

Laughlin also starred with the bowl picking a couple of wickets along with Billy Stanlake to cap off a complete performance for their side. Colin Ingram was named the Man of the Match for his brilliant innings with the bat.

Brief Scores:

Adelaide Strikers 173/5 after 20 overs (C Ingram 68, T Head 58; D Bravo 2/30)

Melbourne Renegades 147/7 after 20 overs (B Hogg 30*; B Laughlin 2/19, B Stanlake 2/22, R Khan 2/26)

Result: Strikers won by 26 runs

Man of the Match: Colin Ingram