BBL 2018-19: Final - Melbourne Renegades Clinches Maiden Title

Melbourne Renegades have clinched their maiden Big Bash League title after beating Melbourne Stars by 13 runs. The Stars bowlers did a fine job in restricting Renegades to a paltry score of 145 runs after Glenn Maxwell won the toss and decided to bowl first.

Subsequently, Melbourne Stars openers Ben Dunk and Marcus Stoinis came up with a fine opening partnership. The Stars added 93 runs for the opening alliance. In fact, Stars were cruising to win at one stage. However, the Renegades bowlers were able to turn the match on its head.

Melbourne Renegades vs Melbourne Stars – Melbourne Renegades innings:

Melbourne Renegades could not get off to a good start when they lost wicket of their opener Marcus Harris in the second over. Jackson Bird was able to get the better of the southpaw batsman after he scored only 12 runs. Renegades wicketkeeper-batsman Sam Harper also could not get going as he was caught and bowled by Jackson Bird.

Renegades kept sliding down the slope when their skipper Aaron Finch was run out for 13 runs. Jackson Bird got a foot on the ball which deflected back on the stumps to dismiss the Renegades captain.

Furthermore, Cameron White and Mackenzie Harvey were sent back in quick succession by Adam Zampa to have Renegades reeling at 65-5. However, Daniel Christain and Tom Cooper were able to rescue their team out of the trouble.

Both the right-handers were able to add an imperative partnership of 80 runs to help their team get to a respectable total of 145 runs. Christain scored 38 from 30 balls whereas Tom Cooper scored a good knock of 43 runs.

Jackson Bird and Adam Zampa scalped two wickets each whereas Sandeep Lamichanne bowled an economical spell as he gave away only 16 runs in his four overs quota.

Melbourne Renegades vs Melbourne Stars – Melbourne Stars innings:

Ben Dunk and Marcus Stoinis gave a perfect start to their team. The openers added 93 runs and they were cruising to their maiden BBL title. Ben Dunk was the aggressor as the southpaw opener scored a fine knock of 57 runs. Meanwhile, Marcus Stoinis scored 39 runs before he went for the big heave. Stars required 57 runs in the last eight overs but their batsmen threw it away as they went for the expensive shots.

Daniel Christain scalped two wickets and he was awarded the Man of the match for his overall performance.

Onya Finchy! #BBLFinal pic.twitter.com/HCfQfJkC3r

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) February 17, 2019

Stars lost six wickets in five overs and could add only 19 runs during the period as they kept on sliding. Glenn Maxwell’s side kept going for the big shots when only seven runs/over was required.

Brief Scores:

Melbourne Renegades: 145-5, Tom Cooper 43 (35), Daniel Christian 38 (30), Adam Zampa 2 for 21, Jackson Bird 2 for 25.

Melbourne Stars: 132-7. Ben Dunk 57 (45), Marcus Stonis 39 (38), Chris Tremain 2 for 21, Boyce 2 for 30, Christian 2 for 33.