Strikers secure BBL final berth

ADELAIDE: Adelaide Strikers registered a thrilling one-run victory in the second semifinal against Melbourne Renegades on Friday to secure a maiden entry in the final of the Big Bash League.

Riding on a 106-run partnership between Travis Head (85 not out) and Jake Weatherald (57), Strikers posted a total of 178 for 5. The Renegades batsmen were up to the task in the chase, with useful contributions from five of their top six. However, with three required off the final delivery, Kieron Pollard could only run a bye as Ben Laughlin completed a fine last over to star in the home team’s victory. The victory extended Strikers’ unbeaten run at the Adelaide Oval in this edition and they will attempt to keep it intact when they face off against Hobart Hurricanes in the summit clash on Sunday.

Renegades didn’t have the best of starts in the chase as Cameron White mistimed a pull off Michael Neser to depart for 2. Tim Ludeman, reprieved by a couple of run-out misses, capitalised by scoring two fours and a six off consecutive deliveries off Neser while Harris took on Siddle to power Renegades past 50 in the fifth over. Rashid Khan wasn’t spared either, struck for a boundary apiece by Harris and Ludeman in his first over as Renegades ended the powerplay at 64 for 1 with the second wicket pair raising a quickfire half-century stand in the process. Tom Cooper and Dwayne Bravo managed to get the chase back on track with a crucial partnership. Both batsmen were put down, which added to Strikers’ fielding woes, as they brought up a half-century stand of 33 deliveries and got the equation down to 42 off 30.

Brief scores: Adelaide Strikers 178/5 in 20 overs (Travis Head 85, Jake Weatherald 57, Joe Mennie 1-21). Melbourne Renegades 177/4 in 20 overs (Marcus Harris 45, Tom Cooper 36*; Travis Head 1-27).