Harris' 85 keeps Renegades' semi-final hopes alive

Melbourne side edged out Adelaide Strikers by six runs on Monday

All-rounder Marcus Harris scored a brilliant half-century as Melbourne Renegades beat Adelaide Strikers by six runs on Monday at Adelaide Oval, their third win of the ongoing Big Bash League, which keeps their hopes alive of reaching the semi-finals.

After being put into bat, Renegades started strong but lost their way once captain Aaron Finch departed in the sixth over after scoring 19 off 13 balls.

Visitors kept losing wickets at regular interval, but Haris, who scored a breathtaking 85 off just 53 balls with the help of six fours and four sixes, kept his side’s scoreboard ticking as Renegades finished with a competitive score of 171 for the loss of nine wickets in their allotted 20 overs.

For Strikers, West Indian all-rounder Kieron Pollard claimed three wickets, whereas pacers Ben Laughlin and Michael Neser picked two scalps each.

Chasing 172 to win, hosts also had a good start to their innings, but they also lost their way once opener Tim Ludeman departed at the score of 53.

Sri Lankan all-rounder Thisara Perera then joined the party to produce bowling figures of four for 25 in his three overs as he first removed the explosive Pollard and then sent veteran Brad Hodge packing in quick succession, limiting Strikers to a score of 165 for the loss of eight wickets.

Harris, for his outstanding batting performance, was awarded man of the match.