REN VS SIX T20S

Right then, that is it from this game and the 2023-24 season of the Big Bash League is off to a quick start. Next up is match number 3 between Adelaide Strikers and Brisbane Heat which will be played in Adelaide on Saturday, the 9th of December and will begin at 1.45 pm IST (8.15 am GMT). You can though join us a lot earlier for the build-up. Cheers!

Steven Smith is the Player of the Match for his sublime half-century. He says it was a great team effort that helped them get over the line. He adds that the Power Surge overs were crucial and the bowlers did fantastic to keep the scoring rate low in those two overs. He concludes by saying that he is enjoying his batting at the top of the order and is excited for the big summer season ahead including the series against Pakistan.

Throughout the game, the Sydney Sixers displayed superiority in all facets, building a challenging total and then excelling in the field. Steven Smith's elegant innings provided the foundation, complemented by Henriques' aggressive cameo. The bowling unit, spearheaded by Dwarshuis, executed their plans meticulously, consistently picking up wickets to keep the Renegades in check. However, it was the brilliance in the field that stood out as the defining factor. The Sixers' fielders showcased exceptional athleticism and precision, saving crucial runs and creating pressure on the Renegades. The difference in fielding standards between the two teams emerged as a pivotal element, influencing the outcome significantly. In the end, the Sydney Sixers emerged victorious by eight runs, securing their first win of the Big Bash League 2023 in a contest that showcased the electrifying essence of T20 cricket.

The Melbourne Renegades' innings saw early setbacks in the Power Play, losing crucial wickets. A pivotal partnership between Jake Fraser-McGurk and Aaron Finch added stability, but Fraser-McGurk's departure for 48 disrupted the Renegades' rhythm. Finch then joined forces with Will Sutherland, aiming to anchor the chase, but his dismissal at 33 dented their aspirations. Despite Sutherland's lone-warrior fifty, the Renegades couldn't sustain the required momentum. The Sixers' disciplined bowling, led by Ben Dwarshuis with three crucial wickets, combined with exceptional fielding, curtailed the Renegades' progress. While Sutherland fought gallantly, the top order's failure to convert starts into substantial contributions proved detrimental, ultimately costing the Renegades the match.

The stage was set, the crowd buzzing with anticipation as the Sydney Sixers clashed with the Melbourne Renegades in a riveting encounter at the Big Bash League 2023. Sydney Sixers, being asked to bat first, posted a commendable total of 175 runs in their 20 overs, anchored by Steven Smith's masterful 61 and a rapid-fire 40 from skipper Moises Henriques. In response, the Melbourne Renegades began their chase with determination but fell short, managing only 167 runs for the loss of 7 wickets. While Will Sutherland showcased a valiant effort with an explosive 51 off 30 balls, the Renegades struggled to find the impetus needed to overhaul the target.

That's it, just the single to end and Sydney Sixers have managed to notch up a thrilling win. Ben Dwarshuis bangs it in on a hard length around off, Will Sutherland stays back again and forces the heave over mid-wicket but only for a single. Ben Dwarshuis gets a fair bit emotional as he remembers his late father who passed away a few days back and Sydney Sixers win the game by 8 runs.

Oh, what a delivery and that should do it for the Sixers. Ben Dwarshuis rolls his fingers over the ball and serves a dipping delivery around off stump. Will Sutherland is hanging back for another slog but is undone by the lack of pace.

Unbelievable fielding and that is the class of Jordan Silk in the field! Short of a length again around off, Will Sutherland is on the back foot waiting for it and he nails the flat-batted shot well in front of deep mid-wicket. Silk in the deep moves to his left and puts his body on the line to save the boundary. Two runs are taken and the FIFTY is up for Sutherland. 10 needed off the last 2 balls.

Banged in on a shorter length and across the right-hander, Will Sutherland stays back and flat-bats it through mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

SIX! Will Sutherland with a massive strike and Melbourne Renegades are right back in it. Hard length around the pads, Sutherland nonchalantly whips it off his legs and dumps it over the backward square leg fence for a mammoth maximum. 14 needed now off 4 balls.

TWO WIDES! Slower and shorter, angled well across the off stump, Kane Richardson fails to get any bat on it but they do scamper across for the single. This is called a wide as well.

Kane Richardson is the next batter in for Melbourne Renegades.

OUT! BOWLED! Tom Rogers gets himself in a real tangle and Ben Dwarshuis picks up his third wicket, what a showing from him after such an emotional past few days. Rogers moves around in his crease and goes right across the stumps. Ben smartly follows him with a wide yorker. Rogers ends up going for the reverse dab but the ball goes off the pads and into the stumps.

Slower one, full and outside off, Tom Rogers pre-meditates and shuffles across only to lap it gently toward short fine leg. They take the single and now Melbourne Renegades need 22 runs off the final over with Will Sutherland not facing the first ball of the final over either.

Brilliant again from Sean Abbott. He sees Tom Rogers advancing and digs in the bumper over leg stump. Rogers looks to take it on but is well betaen.

Puch, that must have hurt! Sean Abbott misses the yorker by a couple of inches and Tom Rogers drills the ball straight back. Abbott looks to get out of the way but the ball crashes into his ankle and the certain boundary is saved.

Spot on again from Sean Abbott as he gets the ball into the blockhole around off. Will Sutherland digs it out off the outer half and straight to short third for a single. A crowd catch that one.