Aaron Finch’s golden duck sums up Renegades’ pitiful season after 60-run loss to Strikers
Aaron Finch’s glum face summed up the Melbourne Renegades’ season after the skipper walked for a golden duck and his side miserably failed to reach the Adelaide Strikers’ target of 172.
Finch nicked Harry Conway down his leg side where the ball was taken by Alex Carey with glee.
The Australian international threw his helmet and gloves to the ground as he trudged off and sat in the stands alongside his teammates.
More woe was to come as they were bowled out for 111, losing by 60 runs and leaving their season in tatters as they are now winless in their last seven.
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They started brightly, however, restricting Adelaide in the opening overs along as they took the wicket of Phil Salt.
The Strikers found solace in a strong 54-run partnership from Carey and Matthew Renshaw.
After Renshaw went for 35 the Strikers wobbled momentarily, losing Jonathan Wells and Carey within the next 10 balls.
Relief, though, followed quickly for Adelaide with the arrival of Jake Weatherald (51) and Ryan Gibson (43*) at the crease.
Weatherald bashed his way to his half century off 25 deliveries – including hitting 22 off the 18th over – before getting out on the next ball.
The total of 172 was well within the Renegades’ reach, but Finch’s loss got them off to a terrible start.
Despite the hasty exit of Finch, Mckenzie Harvey and Sam Harper put on a solid combination of 67.
Harper, who was dropped on 27 by Renshaw, fell after being clean bowled by Danny Briggs four runs later.
RENEGADES v STRIKERS: Scorecard, video highlights, stats, analysis
Harvey followed suit in the next over with Carey running out to short fine leg to claim the swirling, scooped shot.
Then the Renegades’ hopes of a win - and perhaps any chance of salvaging something from this season - crumbled before their eyes.
Mohammad Nabi (7) and Imad Wasim (1) fell before the end of the 15th over, leaving the lowly side requiring 87 from the final five overs.
It was too much for them to overcome and the Strikers skittled through their bottom order.
Beau Webster (10) and Jack Prestwidge (6) were sent packing before Kane Richardson trudged back to the stands after just one run.
Richardson, who hoisted the ball in Renshaw’s direction, had a heated debate with the Strikers batsman as he walked from the field.
Josh Lalor (2) and Noor Ahmed (1) fell quickly after to see the Strikers winby 60 runs with five balls left.
RENEGADES TEAM: Aaron Finch (c), Mackenzie Harvey, Sam Harper (wk), Beau Webster, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Mohammad Nabi, Imad Wasim, Jack Prestwidge, Kane Richardson, Josh Lalor, Noor Ahmad.
STRIKERS TEAM: Phil Salt, Matthew Renshaw, Alex Carey (c) (wk), Jonathan Wells, Jake Weatherald, Ryan Gibson, Rashid Khan, Danny Briggs, Wes Agar, Peter Siddle, Harry Conway.
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