Adelaide Strikers home Big Bash League semi-final set in stone after ‘Bulldozer’ razes Renegades

UPDATE: The Adelaide Strikers have been confirmed to host a Big Bash League semi-final on Friday February 2 after Colin Ingram razed the Renegades with signature smashing at Etihad Stadium on Monday night.

Colin Ingram of the Strikers watches as his hit sails over the fence for another six during Monday’s Big Bash League clash with the Melbourne Renegades. Picture: AAP Image/Hamish Blair

COLIN Ingram razed the Renegades with signature smashing at Etihad Stadium on Monday night as Adelaide Strikers booked a home Big Bash League semi-final in style.

Cricket Australia confirmed on Tuesday the Strikers will host the final against a still to be determined opponent at Adelaide Oval on February 2.

Irresistible Ingram (68 off 36 balls) rocketed the Strikers to a 26-run win on a difficult surface for clean hitting — combining for 88 off 54 balls with skipper Travis Head (58 off 47).

The Strikers iced the triumph with arguably the most spectacular catch in BBL history.

Ben Laughlin intercepted a Dwayne Bravo (4) strike off Rashid Khan (2-26) to the long-off boundary before flinging the ball backwards over 30 metres to Jake Weatherald who completed the remarkable 16th over dismissal.

Jake Weatherald of the Strikers completes the amazing catch after a throw from teammate Ben Laughlin on the boundary to dismiss Dwayne Bravo on Monday. Picture: AAP Image/Hamish Blair

Bravo’s exit at 5-100 meant the 174 ask was beyond Brad Hodge’s rescue attempt despite the former Strikers skipper belting an unbeaten 30 off 18 balls. The Renegades finished at 7/147.

Alex Carey combined with Peter Siddle to claim Tim Ludeman. The Australian T20 keeper’s 40 metre run and dive ended Marcus Harris’ (25) tempered stay attempting to take on Billy Stanlake. Tom Cooper (24) provided Carey with his third catch off Stanlake in the 15th over.

The Strikers missed last season’s finals but occupy top spot on run rate from Perth Scorchers with Thursday’s visit to Perth settling the minor premiership. Regardless, Jason Gillespie’s unit will host the semi-final on February 2.

The Renegades remain in fourth spot on eight points behind Hobart’s 10.

Ingram’s premium hitting is revered in England where the South African smashed 29 sixes for Glamorgan to clinch the competition’s 2016 T20 MVP award. Ingram’s second half-century this tournament had all the trappings of his reputation as the T20 “Bulldozer”.

A sluggish Etihad Stadium was made for the slower ball arsenal of Bravo (2-30) and Kieron Pollard (1-20) but it brought Ingram’s brutish stroke play to the fore. Ingram used the conditions to unleash devastating wrist power that generated five sixes including three in succession off Bravo and Pollard.

Peter Siddle of the Strikers celebrates after claiming the wicket of Tim Ludeman of the Renegades. Picture: AAP Image/Hamish Blair

Strikers slugger Colin Ingram shows off his brute force against the Renegades. Picture: AAP Image/Hamish Blair

The Renegades trump card, veteran wrist spinner Brad Hogg (0-30) became a liability in the face of a bold onslaught from third-wicket pair Head and Ingram.

Head has missed two games for the Strikers but played with a freedom lacking on Australian one-day duty against England, banking consecutive BBL half-centuries.

A flick of the wrist sent Kane Richardson (0-34) over the mid-wicket boundary to a ball just short of a length as Ingram raced to his half century off 31 balls in a 20-run over.

Chris Tremain skittled Jake Weatherald and any hope of replicating the 171-run stand with Alex Carey that overwhelmed Hobart Hurricanes.

Having made a maiden BBL ton and earned a one-day debut inside a week, Carey (32) was on course for another decisive knock before picking out Marcus Harris off Jack Wildermuth.