A brilliant century partnership between Josh Inglis and Liam Livingstone led Perth Scorchers to a 6 wicket win over Melbourne Renegades played at Geelong on Tuesday.
Perth Scorchers captain Mitchell Marsh won the bat flip and decided to field first. It was an ideal start for Scorchers as Jhyle Richardson dismissed Renegades captain Aaron Finch on the 3rd ball of the innings. Simon Harper came to the crease and looked in positive touch right from word go. At the end of six overs, Renegades scored 44 for 2.
After the power play overs, Shaun Marsh was dismissed cheaply as Renegades were reduced to 48 for 3. Sam Harper and Webster took the charge against Perth bowlers putting pressure on them with aggressive hitting. Harper reached his fifty off just 35 balls. It was an amazing batting display by Webster and Harper who bought back Renegades batting on track. As things looked dangerous for Perth, Mitchell Marsh provided the breakthrough getting the wicket of Harper for 73. Harper and Webster added 71 runs for the 4th wicket. The experienced Daniel Christian scored a quickfire 19 off 10 ball. In the last over, Webster smacked Chris Jordan and reached his fifty off 37 balls. Renegades posted 175 for 5 in 20 overs.
Chasing 176 runs to win, Liam Livingstone looked edgy at the start but took on the Melbourne bowlers taking use of power play overs. His partner Inglis also played with positive intent. At the end of six overs, Perth was 59 for 0.
After the power play overs, Livingstone and Inglis continued their aggressive intent to put pressure on Melbourne bowlers. Livingstone reached his fifty off 33 balls. As things looked dangerous for Melbourne, Gleeson provided the breakthrough getting the wicket of Livingstone. Livingstone and Inglis added 102 runs.
Mitchell Marsh who promoted himself at number 3 took singles and gave support to Inglis. Inglis reached his fifty off 31 balls. Gleeson got rid of Inglis to give Melbourne hopes of winning the match. Cameron Bancroft came to the crease and remained steady. Tim David played a quickfire innings scoring 16 off 7 balls with 2 sixes. Bancroft hit the winning to help Perth Scorchers win the match by 6 wickets with 6 balls remaining.
Perth Scorchers 178 for 4 in 19 overs (Livingstone 59, Inglis 51, Gleeson 3/35) beat Melbourne Renegades 175 for 5 in 20 overs ( Simon Harper 73, Webster 59*, Jhyle Richardson 3/22, Mitchell Marsh 2/10) by 6 wickets.
With this loss, Melbourne Renegades have lost their 7th successive loss of BBL.