Melbourne Renegades have still been unable to open their account in the Big Bash League after slipping to their third successive loss. This time, against a clinical Hobart Hurricanes unit, led by D’Arcy Short, forced them to a seven-wicket loss in Hobart on Tuesday (December 24).
James Faulkner, Nathan Ellis, and Riley Meredith returned three wickets each to keep the Renegades to 147 in 19.1 overs. Losing Sam Harper on the third delivery of the innings, they were led by skipper Aaron Finch’s fifty that came off 37 balls after opting to bat.
Hurricanes too were reduced to 25 for 2 in their chase, before Short took control and shared a 74-run stand with Ben McDermott, who remained unbeaten on 51. While Short fell with less than 50 runs to get for a 45-ball 60, skipper McDermott’s sedate knock of a 48-ball 51 took them over the line with five balls to spare.
Renegades are now the only side without a win so far in the season.
Brief scores: Melbourne Renegades 147 in 19.1 overs (Aaron Finch 50; James Faulkner 3-26, Nathan Ellis 3-15, Riley Meredith 3-26) lost to Hobart Hurricanes 148/3 in 19.1 overs (D’Arcy Short 60, Ben McDermott 51; Tom Cooper 2-32) by seven wickets.