Melbourne Stars Capitulate in Dramatic Collapse; Melbourne Renegades Lift Maiden Title
Feb 17, 2019 at 1:05 PM
In the final of the eighth edition of the Big Bash League (BBL), Melbourne Renegades on Sunday (February 17) were crowned as the champions of the BBL 2018-19 season following the epic win over Melbourne Stars by 13 runs. Post 13th over, the things went horribly wrong for Stars which cost them their maiden BBL title. Thus, allowing Renegades to lift their first-ever title since 2011.
Brutal 💔
It's not over yet though! #BBLFinal pic.twitter.com/tFR0I1oWj3
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) February 17, 2019
Renegades restricted Stars on 132. In the dramatic collapse, Stars lost seven wickets adding just 17 runs. Dwayne Bravo was the last man to go 3 (3).
CHAMPIONS! #BBLFinal pic.twitter.com/rUahaWxXTr
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) February 17, 2019
While chasing the target of 146, Stars had a brisk start. The opening pair in Ben Dunk and Marcus Stoinis posted 93 in 13 overs. At one stage, the grand finale looked-like a one-sided contest but Renegades bowlers pulled off a sensational effort with the ball.
Renegades bowlers were on a roll to deliver a sensational performance when many thought Stars would have a cake walk.
The star performers with the ball were Chris Tremain, Cameron Boyce, Daniel Christian. The trio went on to clinch three wickets each. Well, Harry Gurney picked a wicket of Maddinson.
Stars Collapse in Melbourne:
Stoinis scored 39 off 38 balls before Peter Handscomb got dismissed on nought.
He was followed by Dunk who scored 45-ball 57. Skipper Glenn Maxwell consumed six balls for a run. Nic Maddinson managed six off seven balls before returning to the pavilion.
Seb Gotch, who did well in the semi-final clash against Hobart Hurricanes could score just two off five balls.
In the mega finale, Melbourne Renegades batted first to post 145 for five in 20 allotted overs. While using as many as six bowling options, Maxwell has used them according to the situation who further rose to the occasion to deliver things according to the expectations.
Dan the Man! @danchristian54 is your Player of the Final with 38no, two wickets and two catches! #BBLFinal pic.twitter.com/Lqy4PPGDlG
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) February 17, 2019
At one stage, Renegades were 65 for five in 10.5 overs, thanks to some brilliance with the ball from Stars’ bowlers. However, Tom Cooper and Daniel Christian didn’t crumble under pressure. Cooper was the top scorer with 35-ball 43. He smashed two sixes and as many fours.
Moreover, Christian slammed two fours, and a maximum as both remained unbeaten. For the sixth wicket, the duo registered 100-run partnership to give something to their bowlers to work on.
Jackson delivers with the ball, so as, Zampa:
Paceman Jackson Bird and leg-spinner Adam Zampa bagged two wickets each. Bird bowled three overs to concede 25, Zampa conceded 21 runs in his quota of four overs.
The 18-year-old leg-spinner Sandeep Lamicchane bowled splendidly well. He gave away just 16 runs.
Opening pair Marcus Harris and Renegades skipper Aaron Finch could post 16 on the board for the first wicket in 1.5 overs.
Harris was the first to go after Peter Handscomb completed a good catch on the bowling of Bird. He smashed two fours to score 12 off ten balls.
While adding nine runs for the second wicket, wicketkeeper-batsman Sam Harper was caught and bowled by Bird while bowling fourth over of Renegades’ innings. Harper could score six off seven balls. Finch lost his wicket owing to a mix-up with Cameron White.
A Bucket Moment to end all Bucket Moments as Finch is run out off Bird's boot!#BBLFinal | @KFCAustralia pic.twitter.com/ewI4i9WTZE
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) February 17, 2019
Once again, Bird was in the business. Besides, he affected a run-out of Finch. He could score 13 off ten balls.
Apart from it, in the space of two runs Zampa trapped White in front of the stumps. He scored run-a-ball 12. Zampa’s second wicket came in the form of Mackenzie Harvey by deceiving him all hands up. Harvey scored 14 off 16 with the help of two fours.
Brief Score: Final – Melbourne Renegades vs Melbourne Stars
Melbourne Renegades 145 for 5 in 20 overs:
Tom Cooper 43 (35), Daniel Christian 38 (30), Adam Zampa 2 for 21, Jackson Bird 2 for 25
Melbourne Stars 132 for 7 in 20 overs:
Ben Dunk 57 (45), Marcus Stonis 39 (38), Chris Tremain 2 for 21, Boyce 2 for 30, Christian 2 for 33