Costly missed stumping bites Renegades hard in BBL semi
The Renegades have been made to pay for a costly error in their Big Bash semi-final against the Sydney Sixers on Friday night.
The Sixers were sent in to bat after Melbourne won the toss and they took the opportunity to set the target with open arms.
However, the Sydneysiders’ lightning-fast start was helped by a wicketkeeping howler from Sam Harper.
The Renegades gloveman had a golden opportunity to remove opener Daniel Hughes for 25 after the Sydney batsman was deceived by the flight of a Cameron Boyce delivery.
However, Harper failed to take the chance as he fumbled the ball to the ground, with Hughes well out of his crease.
😱 | This keeping howler could prove very costly for the Renegades. They've got their first wicket, but Daniel Hughes is still at the crease.#BBL08 Gades Sixers LIVE: https://t.co/8Z8qVeHAZV pic.twitter.com/6WABVt4fu7
— Herald Sun Sport (@heraldsunsport) February 15, 2019
Eeek not good signs, Harris not on the rope for the Hughes six, Kane Richardson having what looks 2 poor games in a row now after being the bowler of the tournament and the Harper missed stumping, worrying times as a renegades supporter. #BBL08
— Nick Rance (@NickRance11) February 15, 2019
Missed stumping lol
— Big Papa Nuggz (@NUGGZ26) February 15, 2019
Look @ the stumping chance plenty of time
— KK@27 (@KK2740708255) February 15, 2019
Hughes added insult to injury for Harper and the Renegades after going on to bring up his half century.
He and fellow opener and Josh Philippe put on a superb opening partnership to get the Sixers off to a sizzling start.
However, the partnership was finally undone when Boyce tempted Philippe (52 runs) into an on drive that was caught by Marcus Harris in the outfield.
OUT! Massive for @RenegadesBBL, the key wicket of Philippe.
He goes for 52, it's 1/87 (8.5) #BBL08 pic.twitter.com/Cmx4dgklMX
— #7Cricket (@7Cricket) February 15, 2019
Hughes then became Boyce’s second victim as he also fell on 52 runs thanks to a superb catch by Tom Cooper at cover.
James Vince added a valuable 28 runs before he mistimed a shot off Harry Gurney that skied upwards as Aaron Finch held on to take a tricky catch.
OUT. Sharp catch from Cooper at extra cover, and @RenegadesBBL get Hughes for 52. Sixers 2/121 (12.1) #BBL08 pic.twitter.com/RiFP4ww4Ml
— #7Cricket (@7Cricket) February 15, 2019
The Sydney Sixers set the Melbourne Renegades 181 to win – blasting the highest score at Marvel Stadium for the season.
The previous highest score at the Docklands ground was 150.
With AAP