Melbourne Renegades defeated Melbourne Stars by 6 wickets in the 36th match of the Big Bash League 2023-24, played at Docklands Stadium on Saturday, January 13th. This thrilling victory not only secured valuable points for the Renegades in their push for the finals, but also served as a fitting farewell for veteran opener Aaron Finch, who played his last professional game.
Melbourne Stars Struggle with Bat:
Winning the toss and electing to bowl, the Renegades put significant pressure on the Stars’ batting lineup. The Stars managed a modest 137/8 in their 20 overs, thanks to contributions from Thomas Rogers (23), Hilton Cartwright (38), and Beau Webster (29). However, inconsistent batting and tight bowling from the Renegades, with Fergus O’Neil and Akeal Hosein claiming two wickets each, restricted the Stars from posting a more imposing total.
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Melbourne Renegades Chase with Confidence:
In response, the Renegades started cautiously but steadily, losing Finch early for a duck in his final game. However, Shaun Marsh and Jake Fraser-McGurk took control of the chase. Marsh played a mature innings, scoring 64 not out from 49 balls, while Fraser-McGurk provided the early momentum with a blistering 42 off 31 balls. Despite losing a couple of quick wickets in the Power Surge, Marsh and Jonathan Wells steered the Renegades home with six overs to spare.
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Key Takeaways:
- The Renegades’ win keeps their slim hopes of reaching the finals alive, while the Stars’ playoff chances suffer a major blow.
- Shaun Marsh was named Player of the Match for his anchoring innings and contribution to the victory.
- Aaron Finch’s farewell match, though ending in a duck, was marked by a winning performance from his team and a warm send-off from the crowd.
Match Details:
- Melbourne Stars: 137/8 (20 overs) (Rogers 23, Webster 29, Cartwright 38; O’Neil 2-39, Hosein 2-18)
- Melbourne Renegades: 139/4 (17.2 overs) (Marsh 64*, Fraser-McGurk 42, Wells 14*; Paris 1-20, Boland 1-27)
- Player of the Match: Shaun Marsh
- Result: Melbourne Renegades won by 6 wickets