BBL 07, Semi-final 2, Review: Adelaide Strikers stun Renegades by 1 run to reach the final

Adelaide Strikers have stormed into the final of the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) by defeating Melbourne Renegades in a thrilling game by just one run. Ben Laughlin was the hero for them who defending 13 in the final over and most importantly bowled an excellent last delivery to Kieron Pollard when three runs were needed for their opponents. However, the credit should also go to Michael Neser who bowled a brilliant penultimate over and conceded only 7 runs.

The chase of 179 was well in control for the Renegades even after they lost their captain Cameron White in very second over. Marcus Harris was brutal in his hitting after that as he stitched a crucial stand of 71 runs in seven overs with Tim Ludeman. Though both of them were sent packing in successive overs thanks to Travis Head and Rashid Khan. But Tom Cooper and Dwayne Bravo continued gamely and took the game close. But the latter was caught exceptionally by Jonathan Dean at backward point with the team still needing 40 off 28 deliveries.

Pollard entered the scene after that and was also dropped by Jake Lehmann. It all boiled down to 20 off the last couple of overs. Neser bowled a high-class 19th over and denied giving any boundaries conceding only 7 runs. Laughlin then conceded a four off the first ball to Pollard. But came back amazingly well to keep the batsmen quiet and won the game for his team. Celebrations galore soon after the last ball was missed by the mighty Windies player as Strikers had stormed into the final.

There was a stun silence in the other camp as they were coasting along at one stage but some brilliant death bowling had taken the game away from them.

What happened earlier?

Adelaide Strikers won the all-important toss and opted to bat first to put the pressure on Melbourne Renegades. The hosts were bolstered by the presence of their skipper Travis Head as the opening duo of Jonathan Dean and Jake Weatherald opened the innings. But the latter fell in the second over but not before scoring a breezy 19 off just 8 deliveries. Head came out then and stitched a crucial partnership along with the other opener.

Both added 104 runs in almost 12 overs as they pummelled the bowlers of the visitors. Weatherald was the next one to go back into the hut for 57 off 43 balls with 7 fours and a solitary six. Meanwhile, Head was just tearing apart every bowler that came in his way and played until the end of the innings staying unbeaten on a magnificent 85 off 57 cherries. Sadly, the other batters didn’t support him and they ended on a below-par total of 178 runs for the loss of five wickets.

Joe Mennie was the best bowler for Renegades who conceding only 21 runs in his four-over spell picking one wicket. All the other bowlers except Tom Cooper were amongst the wickets but went for runs and as Head launched an assault against them.

Strikers will now face the Hurricanes in the mega final of the tournament on Sunday.

Brief Scores:

Adelaide Strikers 178/5 after 20 overs (T Head 85*, J Weatherald 57; J Mennie 1/21, K Pollard 1/8)

Melbourne Renegades 177/4 after 20 overs (M Harris 45; T Head 1/27, R Khan 1/28)

Result: Strikers won by 1 run

Man of the Match: Travis Head