Despite a mathematical possibility for Brisbane Heat to enter the semi-finals, Melbourne Renegades have more to lose if they go down in this 24th game of the Big Bash League at the Docklands Stadium in Melbourne.
We’ll bring you the live scores and commentary of the action throughout the game, with the match starting at 7.00 pm AEDT on January 12.
The Renegades can still realistically make it to the knock-out stage of the Big Bash League if they win their last two games. First up will be the resurgent Brisbane Heat, who registered their first victory in the competition against the then table-toppers Hobart Hurricanes.
Renegades are coming off a loss to their neighbours Melbourne Stars, in a game affected by rain and decided by the Duckworth-Lewis system. They will hope for a full game although the forecast sees a chance of showers.
Their problem all this tournament has been inconsistent bowling. Most other teams are relying on slow bowling to restrict the opposition but the Renegades have gone in the other direction by adding ferocity in their pace attack.
Unfortunately for them, Shaun Tait’s inconsistencies (economy rate of 10.25) have hurt them much more than what Shahid Afridi’s (economy rate of 6.35) frugality has helped.
The return of Brad Hodge has strengthened the batting, which was lacking bite earlier. He made only 10 in the previous game but his experience should stand out in this vital game. How the likes of Andrew McDonald, Afridi and Glenn Maxwell go in the middle-order will go a long way in papering over the side’s bowling deficiency.
Brisbane coach Darren Lehmann may still be optimistic about his team’s chances of making it to the last four but it will require them a miracle and a half.
First and foremost, they need two wins in a row. Then, they need to hope that two other results go their way – Hurricanes defeat Renegades and Strikers beat Stars – before praying for their net run-rate to miraculously leapfrog over Stars and Strikers.
It is a wonder whether Lehmann would have actually gone to the extent of explaining the mathematics of it all to his wards but the message will be clear. Fight till you have a chance.
Matthew Hayden’s form in the previous game will be encouraging. So will his partnership with Andrew Robinson in the Hobart game.
Roelof van der Merwe adds chutzpah to the middle-order and despite Daniel Vettori’s poor spell against Hobart, his presence will add sheen to the Brisbane bowling.
Daniel Christian has yet to arrive at the Big Bash party this season and it will not be bad timing if he can do that with two matches to go.
The Renegades will still be favourites.
We will bring you the coverage throughout the game from Melbourne from 7.00 pm AEDT and hope to receive your opinions as the action unfolds.
Nathan of Perth
Guest
Lol, three boundaries, and how much does Brisbane win by? Three boundaries!
Oracle
Guest
Why would anyone in their right mind recruit Razzaq. Just no good.
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
Daniel Vettori wins the man of the match award for his superb innings of 40 and four overs of economical bowling that cost only 27 runs. The points table has an interesting look with only one game to go for all the teams. Perth have 10, Hobart have 8, Sixers have 8 and Stars have 6. All the remaining four teams, Brisbane, Renegades, Thunder and Adelaide have 4 points apiece. This means that Perth, Hobart and Sixers are through to the semi-finals. The remaining five teams will do battle for that lone remaining semi-final spot. Stars are favourites to grab that fourth semi-final slot because even if they lose, their net run-rate is good at this stage. But you never know, a 40-50 run loss could change all that! We will be back with the live coverage on January 17 when Brisbane take on the Thunder. Till then ciao!
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
And it is all over, the Brisbane Heat win by 12 runs. It gets them their second victory in the tournament but they will not be helped much by the way of their net run-rate. Would have preferred a 40-50 run win instead.
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
Another single and this is almost all over. 15 needed from two.
Red Kev
Guest
Man I was sure Forrest was gonna rip the ball out of Neser's hand and send him from the field that over.
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
Single to Nannes. 16 off three now. Manou on strike.
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
OUT!!! McDermott is doing it again for the Brisbane Heat, who are making a late charge towards the semi-finals. Yorker and Aaron Heal has no clue about it. 17 needed from 4 with 1 wicket standing.
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
OUT!!! Run-out! The situation ripe for a run-out and that is precisely what happens - they try to steal a bye but it is eight down instead. 17 off five needed.
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
Instead it is one run from that last ball. 17 needed to win now and McDermott to bowl.
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
No-Ball! Free hit! Neser isn't handling the pressure well, has already sent down three wides and now this no-ball. Only a single off the free-hit though. 18 needed off seven. A boundary will help. A six will be gold.
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
Four! Finally! Drifts down the leg-side, full and Manou flicks it away to the fence. Poor line.
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
Not getting the boundaries and despite three wides in the over so far, only five runs from three balls.
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
OUT!!! Run-out, and this is one of the best run-out you would see - almost fortunate! Driven straight by Manou and Robinson fields and throws in one action from long-on. Hits the non-striker's end and Finch is miles short of the crease. 31 needed from 12. Three wickets standing.
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
Another good delivery, full but a touch wide. Manou is able to carve it out to the point fence, but two runs result. A yorker, fifth ball, and no run again. 32 from 13 and the last thing they need is a single now.
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
Two dot balls to follow against Manou. McDermott doing a good job here.
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
Single to Finch. 34 needed from 17 and Manou on strike.
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
6/134 in 18 of which Finch has scored 71 in 45 balls. Excellent innings this by Finch.
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
SIX!!! This time he gets the six in that same region at mid-wicket! Single off the last ball. 35 needed off 18 now.
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
Oooh! That could have been spectacular but only two runs result in the end. Lynn caught it well at the mid-wicket fence but could not balance himself. While going out of the playing area, he threw the ball up for the fielder coming from long-on. Unfortunately it went behind that long-on fielder and he misses the catch.