Finch’s 76 runs are wasted as the Scorchers pull out a close victory.
Cameron Bancroft’s effortless 50-ball 95 not out was a major factor in the Perth Scorchers’ 10-run triumph over the Melbourne Renegades in their BBL match played at the Perth Stadium. Even with Aaron Finch’s unbeaten 76 off 35 balls, the Renegades were bowled out for 202. Scorchers, currently in first place in the standings, will meet the Sydney Sixers in a playoff game the following week.- The Renegades got off to a good start in their big chase, scoring 58 runs in a little over six overs. Martin Guptill was removed by Andrew Tye after contributing only 15 runs to the stand between Shaun Marsh and himself. The wicket of Marsh, who hit seven fours, fell in the 11th over, to David Payne. When Ashton Turner removed Matthew Critchley, the Renegades were 96 for 4.
- Finch then unleashed a barrage of strokes, most damaging to Andrew Tye. Hitting the seamer for three sixes and two boundaries in the 18th over. Next, in the 19th over, Aaron Hardie let up eight runs while also claiming Will Sutherland’s scalp, bringing the Renegades’ total to 29 runs needing to be scored in the final overs. Despite Finch hitting a boundary and a six off the final two balls, the Scorchers had already all but clinched the victory. While it was going on, Ashton Turner picked up two wickets.
- Earlier, the Scorchers got off to a nearly ideal start thanks to a partnership of 87 from Stevie Eskinazi and Bancroft in just under 8 overs. Bancroft stepped it up in the slog overs, as seen by the 52-run stand he shared with Cooper Connolly off of just 20 balls. When up against Tom Rogers, Jack Prestwidge, and Sutherland, the opening tried his hand at a few different shots.
