Perth Scorchers showed why they were the defending champions, as they thrashed Melbourne Renegades by 10 wickets, in Melbourne. It was the first 10-wicket win for any team in the history of the Big Bash League, and Perth’s most convincing win in recent years.
On a day when everything went their way, Perth put in the opposition to bat first, after winning the toss. Melbourne made good use of the conditions, as they had a rousing start to their innings, thanks to their openers Aaron Finch and Chris Gayle.
The duo put on 98 runs for the opening stand, mainly due to Finch’s 72 off just 48 balls. Gayle too played a cameo knock, scoring 41 off 35 balls, including 3 sixes. Towards the end, wicketkeeper-batsman Matthew Wade played a useful hand, as he scored 35, to guide the Renegades to a respectable total on board.
Perth bowler Jason Behrendorff was yet again the pick of the bowlers for the visitors, as he produced figures of 2/14 in his 4 overs, and slowed the batting side’s momentum. David Willey and Andrew Tye contributed with a wicket each towards the end.
Chasing the tough total, Perth did not break a sweat, as they romped home in just 18.4 overs, without losing a single wicket. Captain Michael Klinger stood up and played a gem of an innings, scoring 90 off just 58 balls, to comfortably guide the Scorchers home. His opening partner Shaun Marsh played second fiddle with his knock of 76 off 54 balls.
With this win, Perth carried forward the winning momentum, while Melbourne were left licking their wounds, after the crushing defeat. Their run-rate would surely take a beating, and they will have to put this loss behind them, to play better in their next match.
Brief Scores: Melbourne Renegades 170/4 (20) (Finch 72, Gayle 41; Behrendorff 2/14) lost to Perth Scorchers 171/0 (18.4) (Klinger 90*, Shaun Marsh 76*), by 10 wickets.
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