The 26th match of the Big Bash League 2024-25 saw the Melbourne Renegades edge past the Perth Scorchers by 4 wickets in a nail-biting finish at the Optus Stadium in Perth. Skipper Will Sutherland and Tom Rogers showcased exceptional all-round performances, guiding the Renegades to a well-earned victory.
Perth Scorchers struggle to post a competitive total
After winning the toss, the Melbourne Renegades opted to bowl first, putting the Scorchers under pressure early on. The Perth Scorchers managed a modest total of 147/8 in their 20 overs. The top-order struggled against a disciplined Renegades bowling attack, with only Aaron Hardie managing a steady 34 off 34 balls with three boundaries. The real standout for the Scorchers was Ashton Agar, who came in as a lower-order batter and smashed an unbeaten 51 off 30 balls, including a solitary four and four towering sixes.
Adam Zampa was the pick of the Renegades bowlers, finishing with figures of 3/27 in his four-over spell. Sutherland and Rogers chipped in with two wickets each, while Kane Richardson claimed one. Their combined efforts restricted the Scorchers to a below-par total.
Will Sutherland and Tom Rogers shine in the chase
The Melbourne Renegades’ chase began shakily, with the Scorchers’ pacers Lance Morris, Jason Behrendorff, and Jhye Richardson striking early. The Renegades found themselves in trouble, losing wickets at regular intervals. However, Sutherland steadied the innings with a captain’s knock of 70 runs off 45 balls, which included five fours and three sixes. His aggressive yet calculated approach kept the Renegades in the hunt. Rogers played a crucial role in the lower order, contributing a match-winning 49 off 31 balls, laced with four fours and three sixes and remained not out. Together, Sutherland and Rogers ensured the Renegades crossed the finish line with just four wickets to spare, scoring 150/6 in 19.4 overs.
The Scorchers’ bowlers fought valiantly to defend the modest total. Morris, Behrendorff, and Jhye each picked up two wickets, with Morris being particularly economical. However, their efforts were not enough to counter the brilliance of Sutherland and Rogers. For his outstanding all-round performance, which included two wickets and a crucial 49-run knock, Rogers was adjudged Player of the Match. His contributions with both bat and ball were pivotal in the Renegades’ victory, keeping their campaign alive in the Big Bash League 2024-25.
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Here is how Twitter reacted:
#Melbournerenegades Thankyou
— Lucas 🔴🟠🔴 (@LucasDaAnalyzer) January 7, 2025
Melbourne Renegades Wonderful Comeback After 4 Wicket Down In 10 Runs Against Perth Scorchers.
They Successfully Chased Down 148 Runs in 19.4 overs & won by 4 wickets.
Captain Will Sutherland Scored Brilliant 70 Runs in 45 Balls & Tom Rogers Scored 49* Runs in 31 Balls.@BBL pic.twitter.com/Un9zgsv6Ha
— THE ALLROUNDER (@TheAllr0under) January 7, 2025
Melbourne Renegades won by 4 Wickets. Magnificent Match Winning Performance. Take a Bow Will Sutherland 2/22 & 70(45) and Tom Rogers 2/39 & 49*(31) [Player of the Match]. Fantastic spell Adam Zampa 3/27.@RenegadesBBL#BBL14 #PSvMR @will_suth12
— JaayShaan (VaidhyaJayaShankar) (@JaayShaan) January 7, 2025
This is how every chase should be approached! No target is too big when you play your innings with sensibility. Fantastic chase by Melbourne Renegades!@RenegadesBBL #BBL #BBL2024
— Kaptaan (@chaijeeevi) January 7, 2025
I WOULD DIE FOR THE MELBOURNE RENEGADES.
TATTOO WILL SUTHERLAND’S FACE ON MY BACK.
— Loz (@Lozzemarine) January 7, 2025
After being 5-44, the @RenegadesBBL chase down the Scorchers in Perth 😳#BBL14 pic.twitter.com/CRWukEwY7D
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 7, 2025
Melbourne Renegades defeated Perth Scorchers by 4 wickets 🏏#Cricket #BBL14 #MelbourneRenegades pic.twitter.com/2zM2uUn8U5
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 7, 2025
Being.a Perth scorchers fan and Fremantle dockers fan is rough …
— alyssa⁸¹🧡🏆 (@alyssaa_81) January 7, 2025
Incredible game in the BBL!
Melbourne Renegades were 10/4 in 4.3 overs while chasing 148 runs against Perth Scorchers.
Will Sutherland 70 (45)
Tom Rogers 49*(31)The duo powers them to a victory! 🙌
— Omkar Mankame (@Oam_16) January 7, 2025
Unreal choke by Perth scorchers #BBL #CricketTwitter
— Mayukh roy (@Mayukhroy9) January 7, 2025
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