Perth Scorchers vs Melbourne Renegades: Melbourne Renegades Predicted XI, Big Bash League (BBL 2020-21)

In the 25th match of the Big Bash League (BBL 2020-21) Melbourne Renegades, who are languishing at the bottom of the points table, will take on Perth Scorchers on January 3 (Sunday) in Perth.

Aaron Finch led-Melbourne Renegades will want to break their five-match losing streak against Perth Scorchers to swoop in confidence in the squad which has been low because of the disappointing defeats. They have been two times been bundled out below 100 this season which would destroy their morale.

But Melbourne Renegades have won the match against Scorchers in their first meeting, which is the only win they have registered this season

Here let’s take a look at Melbourne Renegades’ predicted playing XI against Sydney Thunder:

Shaun Marsh:

Shaun Marsh has found his form back. He has scored back-to-back two half-centuries in the last two matches but it would be upsetting for him as both have ended up in a losing cause. Against Sydney Thunder, he scored 87 runs off 48 balls but the rain halted Melbourne Renegades to win the match. However, the experienced T20 players will have to keep their confidence up and play another such knock against Perth Scorcher to break the losing streak.

Aaron Finch (c):

Melbourne Renegades captain Aaron Finch has been unfortunate this season as his team has lost the last two matches with close margins. Against Sydney Sixers, he stitched 75 runs partnership with Marsh in which he contributed 39 runs. His opening stand gave a good base to the team but they could not carry the momentum forward. In the last match, his team put up a fighting total but the rain played a spoilsport to give them the fifth defeat of the season. Aaron Finch will be hoping that they can break the losing streak.

Sam Harper (wk):

In the third match, the wicketkeeper-batsman Sam Harper stepped in when the openers lost their wickets early in the last match. He amassed unbeaten 66 runs off 52 balls, striking four fours and two sixes. However, his knock could not help Melbourne Renegades to clinch the victory

The franchise will hope that they produce the same innings to get better off Sydney Thunder.

Rilee Rossouw:

The South African cricketer Rilee Roscoe Rossouw, who scored 17* and 0 runs in the first two matches, bounced back stronger against Hobart Hurricanes. He scored 59 off 40 balls in which he smacked eight fours and one six in Hobart to take the guide his team set up 158 runs target but it ended up in a losing cause.

Since then, he hasn’t been able to play a big knock in his last two outings. Melbourne Renegades will hope that he rebuild innings like he has done earlier for them.

Mohammad Nabi:

The Afghan allrounder Mohammad Nabi stepped in the last game to support Shaun Marsh. He went to score 33 runs which is his highest score so far this season. But with the ball, he hasn’t been able to give breakthroughs at crucial junctures. Melbourne renegades will want him to chip in efforts as an all-rounder.

Imad Wasim:

The 32-year-old Pakistan allrounder Imad Wasim picked the wicket of Callum Ferguson in the rain-curtailed match against Sydney Thunder. It was his only third match for him in this BBL season. He was earlier doing his national duty for Pakistan against New Zealand.

Mackenzie Harvey:

Melbourne Renegades debutant Mackenzie Harvey has not a good start to the 10th season. In his last three outings, he has scored just 9 runs but his outstanding fielding has earned them praise from all the fans. The 20-year-old youngster, who will be only playing the fourth match against Perth Scorchers, needs to come good with the bat to take the burden of the middle-order to accelerate the innings.

Will Sutherland:

Will Sutherland has been expensive with the ball. Against Sydney Thunder, he bowled only three overs and gave away 27 runs. He picked the crucial wicket of Oliver Davies but until then he had already done the destruction.

Against Sydney Sixers, Sutherland was struck for 10 fours and one six in his 3.5 over and picked only one wicket. The allrounder has neither given significant contribution with the bat.

Kane Richardson:

Kane Richardson, who missed out on the limited-overs leg of Australia against India, had an impressive start of the 10th season of BBL. He notched three wickets in the maiden match with Melbourne Renegades to take the game home.

However, the pacer has given breakthroughs but has also gone expensive. Against Thunder in the first meeting, he picked the crucial wicket of Callum Ferguson and Chris green but could not control his run rate. He gave away 33 runs in his four overs. The team will hope that he also keeps check on the score board.

Josh Lalor:

Josh Lalor was the most expensive bowler in the disappointing defeat against Sydney Sixers. He conceded 49 runs in his four overs and got the wicket of Josh Phillipe, who had already harmed with the bat.

Against Thunder in the first meeting, he also conceded 44 runs in his four overs and picked the only wicket of D’Arcy Short. He was replaced with Zak Evans in the last match but he also could not control runs in death overs. Thus, Lalor will likely be recalled in the playing XI but he has to bowl tight spells to control the run rate.

Peter Hatzoglou:

In six matches, Peter Hatzoglou, the leg-spinner, has picked up seven wickets, including in two matches he didn’t get enough opportunity to bowl. The 22-year-old is the only spinner in Melbourne Renegades.