BBL 5 Match 32 Review: Gayle’s heroics fail to save Renegades

Chris Gayle needed only 12 balls to get his half-century against Adelaide Strikers, equaling the record for fastest T20 fifty set by Yuvraj Singh in 2007 however his knock couldn’t save Melbourne Renegades. His team crashed out of the BBL losing the match by 27 run. After the Strikers made 5-170, the Renegades needed 171 from 16 overs to reach the finals ahead of the Sydney Thunder but the team was bowled out for 143 in 15.3.

Earlier, Brad Hodge’s unbeaten 37 off 21 rescued the Strikers after they’d lost 4-22 to slip to 4-107. The veteran continued his fine BBL 5 with another key contribution while openers Jono Dean (48) and Tim Ludeman (49) also played crucial hands. Dean smahed 2 fours and 4 sixes while Ludeman spanked 7 fours. Hodge was his best hammering 2 fours and 2 sixes in a knock that would have pleased not just his team but also the Thunder. Michael Neser also took 2-15 and found impressive movement early, and Adil Rashid (1-21) and Jon Holland (2-24) helped put the match to bed.

Chris Gayle went absolutely berserk to keep his team in the match. Greg West was hammered to all parts by the big West Indian, his final four deliveries going for 6,6,6,6 as he leaked 27 from the over and gave the Renegades hope. Gayle muscled seven sixes between long on and backward square to set Etihad Stadium alight.

Travis Head proved the trump card with the ball this time. He might have been basking in the glory of his Australia T20 call-up when he was dismissed for nought, but a brave Brad Hodge backed his part-time off-spinner with the ball. He delivered by emoving Cameron White, Dwayne Bravo and Gayle within his first three overs to all but end the contest.

Aside from Gayle, Cameron Gannon (23) and Nathan Rimmington (26) did their utmost with the bat to keep their side alive. Xavier Doherty also impressed as he helped the Renegades early with two wickets while Tremain, Rimmington and Gannon all claimed one wicket apiece. Renegades ended a disappointing season on an unsuccessful, note. Strikers will now play the Thunder at what will doubtless be a packed Adelaide Oval.

Brief Scores:

Adelaide Strikers: 170/5 in 20 overs (T Ludeman 49; X Doherty 2/30)

Melbourne Renegades: 143/10 in 15.3 overs (C Gayle 56; T Head 3/16)

Man of the Match: Travis Head (Adelaide Strikers)