Big Bash League T20: All-round Moises Henriques seals Sixers' semi-final berth

Moises Henriques of the Sixers celebrates the run out of Dan Harris of the Renegades during the Big Bash League match between the Melbourne Renegades and the Sydney Sixers at Etihad Stadium on January 18, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia.

A disciplined batting performance from Moises Henriques, and a fine exhibition of death bowling from Brett Lee took Sydney Sixers to a thrilling two-run win over the Melbourne Renegades. Melbourne Renegades had a poor day with the bat; as there were three run-outs in their innings. Sydney Sixers’ total of 151 runs proved too much for Melbourne Renegades; as they fell short by 2 runs on a good batting surface at Etihad Stadium.

Melbourne Renegades were in the chase, to start off with, as the openers put on 36 runs off the first five overs. Brett Lee was not at his best with the new-ball. Lyon surprisingly came to bowl in the fourth over, but he gave away 13 runs, which shifted the momentum to Melbourne Renegades.

However, Melbourne Renegades lost the wicket of Harris in the sixth over, who was unfortunately run-out for 20. Michael Hill didn’t last long enough; as he was dismissed by Moises Henriques for 35. At that point of time, Melbourne Renegades were still in a good position with 86 runs needed off the last 10 overs. Dwayne Bravo and Ben Rohrer were at the crease. Both, being explosive players, has the ability to switch on the gears when needed.

The duo only managed 36 runs off the next 33 balls, which brought Sixers back into the contest. After the wicket of Bravo in the 19^th over, Melbourne Renegades lost the plot, and finally ended up losing by a tiny margin.

The Sixers were not offering any room for the Renegades batsmen to play their strokes freely, and the fielders on the boundary line were outstanding; as they saved some boundaries towards the end of the innings.

Sydney Sixers have to give credit to Moises Henriques as he played an important innings of 55. He came in the second over, read the situation well and managed to stay till 15th over of the match. His 46-run partnership with Michael Lumb was critical, as from there on, Sixers didn’t kept losing wickets at regular intervals.

Brief Scores:

Sydney Sixers 151/6 off 20 Overs (Henriques 55, Marcus North 30)

Melbourne Renegades 149/5 off 20 Overs (Dwayne Bravo 38)