BBL 2017-18, Match 16 Review: Melbourne Renegades hand a fourth straight defeat to the Sixers

Melbourne Renegades are keeping their position at the top of the table, but the Sydney Sixers’ are failing to end their horrendous run. With three wins out of four, the Renegades currently are 3rd on the table. On the contrary, the Sixers’ are placed right at the bottom with four straight-forward defeats. This is the first time in its club history they lost their first four games.

Batting first, Englishman Jason Roy and Peter Nevill were made to open the innings. Both these players haven’t scored enough runs in the tournament and today was no different. Mohammad Nabi, who bowled the first over the game, sent Nevill back for a first-ball duck. Jason Roy fell in the fourth over of the innings to some brilliant bowling from Dwayne Bravo.

Nic Maddinson and Jordan Silk were handed the tough task of rescuing them from that situation. The duo managed to bat together for almost 5 overs, but the run-rate dipped horrendously. Both the players failed to compensate for that as well and eventually, both of them were back in the hunt with the scorecard reading 56/4 in 13 overs.

Of the 10 players who came out to bat, only Johan Botha and Sean Abbott managed to register a strike-rate in excess of 100. Botha led his side from the front and scored a 23-ball 32 to help his side score over 100. The Renegades had done everything they could to restrict them under 100, but it was still a very decent effort.

The Sixers managed a paltry 111 for the loss of 8 wickets. Dwayne Bravo was the star with the ball, who returned with figures of 3/29. Mohammad Nabi bowled magnificently as well, who registered two wickets, giving away just 22 runs in four overs. It was a comprehensive bowling effort from the bowlers, which kept the Sixers’ batters shell-shocked and destroyed.

Finch gets a fifty; Decent effort from Cameron White

Chasing down this small total, Marcus Harris was dismissed in the very first over. But Aaron Finch and Cameron White ensured there was not much trouble going through towards the finish line. Both these players have tremendous experience in this format and stitched a 91-run stand for the second wicket.

After seeing off the Powerplay overs, White and Finch upped the ante a litte during the halfway mark. Finch, as he always does, struck a couple of big sixes, which entertained the crowd a little bit. It was a nonchalant day for the big crowd that turned up at the Simonds Stadium, Geelong.

Cameron White played another decent innings and with the IPL auction coming in a few days, he should be hopeful of a contract. He struck a 44-ball 49 and remained unbeaten, which included five fours and a six. White has been under-performing in the last few seasons, but he started the seventh edition on a decent note.

Finch completed his half-century and almost immediately, he ran himself out. Some good work from Jason Roy in the outfield helped them take a complimentary wicket, before White and Bravo wrapped the game up in style. The target was chased down with 27 balls remaining and the Sixers returned home with yet another humiliation.

Brief Scores

Sydney Sixers: 111/8 in 20 overs (Johan Botha 32*; Dwayne Bravo 3/29, Mohammad Nabi 2/22)

Melbourne Renegades: 112/2 in 15.3 overs (Aaron Finch 51, Cameron White 49*)

Player of the match: Aaron Finch

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