In the 2 matches on day 5 of BBL 9 season, the match between Sydney Thunder and Adelaide Strikers were abandoned due to smoke fire while Perth Scorchers register their win of the tournament defeating Melbourne Renegades.
It was an impressive performance by Chris Jordan, Kane Richardson, Mitchell Marsh who were picked by the franchises during the 2020 IPL auction that took place in Kolkata on 19th December.
Sydney Thunder vs. Adelaide Strikers
After 2 successive wins, Sydney Thunder took Adelaide Strikers at the Manuka Oval, Canberra on Saturday. Sydney Thunder captain Callum Ferguson won the toss and decided to field first. The decision paid off as Sams took wickets of Phil Salt and Matthew Short in the 2 overs. Jake Weatherald and captain Alex Carey steadied the innings for Adelaide Strikers. At the end of first six overs, Adelaide Strikers were 41 for 2.
After the power play overs, Carey and Weatherald played with confidence. As things looked dangerous, Cook struck by dismissing Weatherald for 42. Carey and Weatherlad added 60 runs for the 3rd wicket. Wells came to the crease and looked positive with approach taking on Sydney Thunder bowling. Wells and Carey added 54 runs for the 4th wicket. Chris Morris was impressive with his bowling dismissing Carey and Rashid Khan. Wells reached his fifty off just 28 balls and helped Adelaide Strikers post 161 for 5 in 20 overs.
In reply to 162 runs to win, Usman Khawaja was dismissed off the 2nd ball by Billy Stanlake. Sydney Thunder captain Callum Ferguson looked impressive scoring 27 off 14 balls. With score card reading 40 for 1, bush-fire smoke came and the umpires decided to call off play. Both teams were forced to share 1 point each.
Perth Scorchers vs. Melbourne Renegades
Perth Scorhers registered their first win of the tournament beating defending Champions Melbourne Renegades by 11 runs at the Optious Stadium, Perth. Melbourne Renegades captain Aaron Finch won the toss and decided to field first. Josh Inglis and Liam Livingstone got the team off to flying start adding 20 runs in 2.5 overs. Inglis was dismissed by Kane Richardson. Livingstone looked impressive with his stroke play. At the end of six overs, Perth were 50 for 1.
Cameron Bancroft also played with positive intent and added 64 runs for the 2nd wicket with Liam Livingstone. Livingstone was dismissed for a quick fire 29 off 19 balls. Ashton Turner joined in the party and took on Melbourne Renegades bowlers. Bancroft reached his fifty off 36 balls and was dismissed soon after. Turner and Bancroft added 38 runs for the 3rd wicket. Perth captain Mitchell Marsh came to the crease and hit a quick-fire half-century off just 21 balls. Marsh hit 56 off 22 balls with 1 four and 6 sixes and remained not out. Perth posted 196 for 7 in 20 overs. For Melbourne, Kane Richardson was the pick of bowlers with 4 for 22.
In reply to 197 runs to win, Melbourne captain Aaron Finch took the advantage of the powerplay overs and added 43 off just 4.1 overs. Chris Jordan got the breakthrough dismissing dangerous Aaron Finch for 28. At the end of six overs, Melbourne were 55 for 2.
After the power play overs, Tom Cooper was dismissed cheaply to leave Melbourne at 64 for 3. Shaun Marsh and Beu Webster provided the spark with aggressive stroke. With the run rate climbing, Shaun took the attack and reached his fifty off 35 balls while Webster completed his fifty off 29 balls. With 42 runs required from 18 balls, Fawad Ahmed got the breakthrough for Perth dismissing Shaun Marsh with a stunning catch from Chris Jordan. Shaun Marsh and Webster added 92 runs for the 4th wicket. Webster tried his best, but Jordan and Joel Paris did the job for Perth.
Perth Scorchers 197 for 5 in 20 overs (Mitchell Marsh 56*, Cameron Bancroft 51, Kane Richardson 4/22) beat Melbourne Renegades 185 for 6 in 20 overs (Webster 67*, Shaun Marsh 55, Chris Jordan 2/30, Fawad Ahmed 2/22) by 11 runs.
In tomorrows double header, Melbourne Stars will take on Hobart Hurricanes and Sydney Sixers will take on Brisbane Heats.
