Perth Scorchers bats fail to fire in Perth handing Renegades a big win

Perth Scorchers have produced one of the worst powerplays ever seen in T20 cricket on the way to an embarrassing loss to Melbourne Renegades at Optus Stadium.

Mitchell Marsh (left) of the Scorchers reacts to a missed catch as Mohammad Nabi (centre) and Sam Harper of the Renegades run between the wickets during the Big Bash League (BBL) match between the Perth Scorchers and the Melbourne Renegades at Optus Stadium in Perth, Monday, January 28, 2019. (AAP Image/Richard Wainwright) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY, IMAGES TO BE USED FOR NEWS REPORTING PURPOSES ONLY, NO COMMERCIAL USE WHATSOEVER, NO USE IN BOOKS WITHOUT PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT FROM AAP

Perth Scorchers have produced one of the worst powerplays ever seen in T20 cricket on the way to an embarrassing 78-run BBL loss to Melbourne Renegades at Optus Stadium on Monday night.

The Renegades posted 5-157 after being sent in to bat - a total that at first appeared to be a tad under par given the recent big scores at the Perth venue. But the Scorchers were in disarray after sinking to 4-12 from their six-over batting powerplay, with the home side eventually dismissed for 79 in 16 overs. It was the fourth lowest total in BBL history.

Mitchell Marsh (left) of the Scorchers reacts to a missed catch as Mohammad Nabi (centre) and Sam Harper of the Renegades run between the wickets. Picture: AAP Image

The Scorchers were 8-52 at one point, before some late runs ensured they at least avoided the lowest ever BBL mark - the 57 posted by the Renegades in 2015. Opener Cameron Bancroft was bowled by Chris Tremain for one, while Shaun Marsh was out for a duck when he played a Tremain delivery in between his legs and onto the stumps.

Skipper Mitch Marsh (five) and Ashton Turner (1) also fell cheaply as the Scorchers crumbled to 4-12 in front of a shell shocked home crowd of 21,698.

Chris Tremain (centre) of the Renegades finished with figures of 3-9. Picture: AAP Image.

Tremain finished with figures of 3-9 from four stunning overs. “That’s the best (T20 performance I’ve ever produced,” Tremain said. “But they don’t always go that way. It can be a brutal game. It can go pear shaped really fast.” Fellow paceman Kane Richardson was also critical, producing 15 dot balls from his 18 deliveries on the way to 1-6. Dan Christian (4-20) cleaned up the middle and lower order.

The only sour note for the Renegades was a minor hamstring injury to Cameron White.

Cameron Bancroft of the Scorchers and Sam Harper of the Renegades tangle at the crease. Picture: Getty Images

White (seven off six balls) limped off with a tight hamstring at the end of the Renegades’ 17th over.

However, the 35-year-old is confident he’ll miss only one match - Wednesday’s clash with the Sydney Thunder in Melbourne.

“I had this a couple of times now. Its usually a five-to-seven day injury,” White told the Seven Network.

“Luckily I’ve got a big break after our next game, so I can’t see any reason why I wouldn’t be available for selection after that.”

Cameron White of the Renegades looks on from the bench after retiring hurt. Picture: Getty Images

Mitchell Marsh of the Scorchers looks on while doing a post match interview. Picture: Getty Images

The result ended Perth’s slim finals hopes. It also brought an end to a golden era in which the Scorchers had won three titles during seven straight finals appearances.

“It was really disappointing,” Scorchers skipper Mitch Marsh said. “It’s just really embarrassing for our fans and for us.” The Renegades (7-5) moved into second spot on the table with the win, but will probably need to win one of their remaining two games to guarantee themselves a finals berth.

LOWEST BBL TOTALS

*57 by Melbourne Renegades v Melbourne Stars in 2015

*69 by Perth Scorchers v Melbourne Stars in 2012

*73 by Brisbane Heat v Sydney Sixers in 2018

*79 by Perth Scorchers v Melbourne Renegades in 2019

*80 by Brisbane Heat v Melbourne Renegades in 2015

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Originally published as Perth Scorchers bats fail to fire in Perth handing Renegades a big win