mango win Big Bash League: Melbourne Renegades Crush Hobart Hurricanes By 6 Wickets At Home

The Hobart Hurricanes suffered a crushing 6-wicket defeat in their Big Bash League 2024-25 opener against the Melbourne Renegades, who finally hit their stride today (December 19, Thursday) at Simonds Stadium, Geelong. (More Cricket News)

Renegades' captain Will Sutherland won the toss and opted to field first, leading to a spectacular bowling display. The Hurricanes were bundled out for a mere 74 in just 12.4 overs. Nathan Ellis’ side faltered badly with the bat, with Ellis himself being the only standout performer, scoring 35 off 20 balls—the highest in their innings.

Sutherland led from the front, claiming three wickets, while Fergus O'Neill and Tom Rogers also took three wickets each, dismantling the Hurricanes' batting lineup.

Nathan Ellis’ side faltered badly with the bat, with Ellis himself being the only standout performer, scoring 35 off 20 balls—the highest in their innings.

The struggles didn't end with the bat. Defending the modest target of 75 required a herculean bowling effort, but the Hurricanes couldn’t rise to the occasion.

There was a glimmer of hope when they managed to dismiss key batters Jake Fraser-McGurk (5) and Josh Brown (13). However, Melbourne's Tim Seifert steadied the chase, delivering an unbeaten 37 off 19 balls. Alongside Mackenzie Harvey’s unbeaten 10 off 8 balls, the Renegades sealed victory in just 9 overs.

Pool A will consist of the defending champion Railway Sports Promotion Board (RSPB – Indian Railways), along with Indian Army – Red, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), Hockey Maharastra and Hockey Unit Of Tamil Nadu (HUTN).

Meanwhile, South Korea were knocked out by the defending champions, India, with a 1-4 defeat in the semi-final. In their pool stage encounter, South Korea had previously played to a 2-2 draw against their next opponent, Pakistan.

Hurricanes' captain Nathan Ellis picked up two wickets, while Riley Meredith and Billy Stanlake claimed one each. However, it wasn’t enough to stop the Renegades from securing an emphatic 6-wicket win with 11 overs to spare.

The next opponent for both the Melbourne Renegades and Hobart Hurricanes are Perth Scorchers.

The Scorchers are in good form beating the Melbourne Stars by 6 wickets in their campaign opener. They will face the Hurricanes on December 21 and the Renegades on December 23. mango win