MELBOURNE, Australia, CMC – West Indies white-ball star Akeal Hosein struck a couple of late lusty blows but then went wicketless as Melbourne Renegades lost their fourth in a row with a two-wicket defeat to Perth Scorchers here New Year’s Day.
Opting to bat first at Docklands Stadium in the Big Bash contest, Renegades found themselves in trouble at 32 for three in the sixth over before recovering to reach 155 for six from their 20 overs.
Veteran Aaron Finch led that recovery, the 36-year-old lashing 65 from 48 deliveries including half-dozen fours and a brace of sixes.
He put on 52 for the fourth wicket with Jonathan Wells (22) before adding a further 28 for the fifth wicket with Mackenzie Harvey (16) and 23 with Will Sutherland (14 not out) for the sixth wicket.
Hosein arrived at number eight to belt two sixes in six-ball unbeaten 15 to provide the innings with late fireworks.
In reply, Hosein proved steady but harmless in his four overs of left-arm spin which cost 28 runs as Scorchers overhauled their target with two balls to spare. The chase was dictated by 27-year-old wicketkeeper Josh Inglish who top-scored with 47 from 34 deliveries with five fours and a six, before perishing in the final over with scores tied.
Cameron Bancroft had earlier struck 46 from 32 deliveries in a 57-run, second wicket stand with South African star Faf du Plessis who gathered 39 from 29 balls.
Renegades lie fifth on six points while Scorchers top the standings with 10 points.
