BBL 2016/17 Match 9 Review: Michael Klinger stars as Scorchers claim a humdinger

While it was a massive heave from Ashton Agar that eventually completed the match, Michael Klinger was eventually the architect of the impressive Perth Scorcher’s win against the Melbourne Renegades on the day as they now have recovered from their loss in the previous match to come in and secure what seemed to be an unlikely win following the flurry of wickets that fell towards the close of play.

The innings of the Renegades began with both Aaron Finch and Marcus Harris getting off to decent starts, something that set off the score for what was certainly going to be a massive score. However, disaster was soon to strike as the ploy of introducing spin in the powerplay well and truly paid off when Ashton Turner snapped up the prized wicket of Aaron Finch.

However, in spite of the wicket of Finch, there was little or no respite for the Scorchers as Cameron White, a former player in their ranks began to turn on the heat. White began to smash the ball to different parts as he went on to net the highest score for the Melbourne-based franchise with 37 impressive runs on the day.

While White was turning on the heat, it was clear that the likes of David Willey and Ashton Turner were impressing quite a bit with some impressive performances with the ball. Both players managed not to give away too many runs in the eight overs they bowled between them as the Renegades simply could not build on the launch pad that was there for them on the day.

With Willey seemingly not allowing the others a launch pad on the day and picking the wickets of Narine and Peter Nevill in the final over, it seemed clear that they were well and truly restricted, to say the least.

The Perth innings got off to perhaps the worst possible start one could possibly hope for. Shaun Marsh was dismissed early on in the innings when he was snapped up by Sunil Narine. What followed was perhaps the most sensible batting one can possibly hope for in the overall context of playing in T20 cricket.

While Michale Klinger was showcasing something impressive at the time and trying to make a few runs with some sort of batsmanship, it was quite clear that there was an issue at the time with Ian Bell’s abilities to run between the wickets. Bell, however, would perish to a run out soon after, only for yet another issue to crop up for the home side in the form of Mitchell Marsh.

The duo began to stitch a sensible partnership as Klinger had done with Ian Bell previously as the Scorchers coasted towards victory. However, a few wickets towards the end including what was an extraordinary final over from Aaron Finch saw the pendulum shift back in the hosts’ favor until there was a time wherein the visitors required 3 runs from the final delivery.

However, a terrible floated delivery from Aaron Finch ensured that Ashton Agar could have a mighty swing at it and that the ball would be deposited well beyond the mid-wicket fence. Michael Klinger was adjudged the man of the match for an impressive performance.

Brief Scores:

Melbourne Renegades: 148/8 in 20 overs (C White 37; D Willey 2/15)

Perth Scorchers: 152/6 in 20 overs (M Klinger 72; S Narine 2/20)

Watch: Ashton Agar wins it for Perth with last ball six:

#AshtonAgar wins the game with the last ball SIX! #BBL06
[Vid via Cricket Australia] pic.twitter.com/kJZpEzsg80

— AmMaD (@AmmadZahid) December 29, 2016