Perth Scorchers and Melbourne Renegades clashed in the 52nd match of the Big Bash League(BBL) 2022-23 on Sunday, January 22 at the Perth Stadium in Perth. Renegades skipper Aaron Finch won the toss and opted to bowl first. However, the decision did not prove right as Scorchers put up a monumental total of 212 runs in the first innings.
Meanwhile, during the second innings, Scorchers’ fielder Nick Hobson displayed a brilliant fielding performance by taking a spectacular catch. On the fifth delivery of the 13th over, Matthew Critchley played a shot that went to deep mid-wicket. Hobson went back stretched his hands and while he was airborne, pulled off a fine catch with two hands. It was a great judgement by him to take it over his shoulder.
Watch the Nick Hobson catch here:
Oh yes! What a leap from Nick Hobson 👌 #OhWhatAFeeling @Toyota_Aus | #BBL12 pic.twitter.com/s3s2EWn9dl
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 22, 2023
Brilliant batting performance by Perth Scorchers
Asked to bat first, Scorchers openers Cameron Bancroft and Stevie Eskinazi started really aggressively and blitzed at the top as the duo tore into a weakened Renegades attack. Eskinazi departed in the 8th over after scoring 54 runs off just 29 deliveries which included 6 fours and 3 sixes.
Later, a bunch of wickets fell in the middle overs just when the Surge was being contemplated by the Scorchers. But Bancroft and Cooper Connolly then kicked on again to ensure Perth crossed 200. Bancroft deserved a 100 but ran out of balls at the end, he scored 95 runs off just 50 balls smashing 5 fours and 6 maximums.
Chasing the target of 213 runs, Renegades opener Shaun Marsh started well but he fell at the wrong time, and then the team struggled. Finch especially in the first half of his innings struggled for any sort of fluency as he mistimed shots. The asking rate got out of hand and that’s when he found his timing. 31 came off Andrew Tye’s over and suddenly 37 were needed off 2 overs but the Scorchers held their nerve to close it out. In the end, Finch’s 76 off 35 may seem to be a sensational inning but it was far from it. The Renegades are still not out of the playoffs race but would certainly need a win in their last game to ensure qualification.
