Who other than Rashid Khan? The awesome Afghan smashed two sixes in a rapid-fire 25 (16) that pushed Adelaide over 150 and put Shaun Marsh in a critical moment of the chase to knock over the seasoned left-hander. Two overs later, his direct strike against Aaron Finch changed the complexion’s complexion (more on this below), and then he defeated Will Sutherland with a false impartial. Specify.
The Strikers’ English opening player, Phil Salt, finally showed his skills and hit 54 of only 26 balls to give his team a strong start. He was well supported by the in-shape Alex Carey, 41 of whom was enough to get him through most of the BBL | 09 to be seen again with the BKT Golden Cap.
FIVE Phil Salt boundaries in one over. Punishing countryman Richard Gleeson here 😳 #BBL09 pic.twitter.com/YbX56tWTH8
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 29, 2019
Finch was crossed to a second fifty, but when he pushed a single point back he was caught crossing a little too much. Rashid picked up neatly and threw down the stumps at the end of the non-striker to catch the Australian captain, who lies far behind his ground. It felt crucial then, and that was reinforced as the next ball when Marcus Harris lunged for a deep square leg. Two balls later, Dan Christian went out without a ball and it was far from a game over.
Kane Richardson took four gates. Again. Finch did 50th again. Cameron Boyce looked at home with Marvel when he won 2-18 from four overs. Other than that, there wasn’t much to do for the Gades on another disappointing trip.
Salt’s attack from five straight fours Richard Gleeson was only interrupted by a wide one; The right-hander advanced into his compatriot in a matter of seconds with a series of impressive pulling and driving maneuvers.
Adelaide is now at the top with seven points, while the Renegades are at the bottom after four games with zero wins.
It’s a quick turnaround for the strikers, who do the thunder on New Year’s Eve, while the Renegades return to the Sixers showdown at Marvel Stadium on January 2nd.
