Melbourne Renegades kicked-off the Big Bash 2018-19 with the perfect start as they won against Perth Scorchers at the Docklands Stadium on Thursday.
The Renegades had a comfortable four-wicket win recording their maiden victory against the Western Australian side in nine matches.
The Scorchers were sent in to bat first and were bowled out for 103 in 19 overs. They went without a boundary for nine overs.
A disciplined performance from the Melbourne’s bowlers kept the Scorchers to their lowest BBL away total.
The Renegades, on the other hand, made a dreadful start and then had a two-wicket wobble late in their innings.
The Renegades chased down the total with 28 balls to spare. Renegades' vice-captain Dan Christian (3 for 22 from three overs) and Kane Richardson (3 for 23 from four overs) destroyed the Scorchers.
The 68-run partnership between Sam Harper and Mohammad Nabi was a sign of the Renegades cruising towards victory. However, Nabi was caught on 35 and Harper was run out by Michael Klinger for 36 in the same over. The Renegades were now wobbling at 6-85.
It was only after Dan Christian who, along with Will Sutherland entered the pitch and guided the Renegades home. Christian made sure no more damage was done and he closed out the match with a six as he took the team to 107 for 6.
Pakistan left-armer Usman Khan Shinwari, who bowled four overs and gave away just 17 runs, also picked up two wickets. Jack Wildermuth (2 for 13) also picked up a couple of scalps. Usman was declared as the Man of the Match. Scorchers’ opener Michael Klinger was the top-scorer with 28 from 32 balls.
