MELBOURNE: Pakistan star batter Babar Azam returned to form with a composed half-century as Sydney Sixers defeated Melbourne Renegades in the 18th match of the Big Bash League (BBL) 15 at Docklands Stadium on Thursday.
Babar, playing his second match of the tournament after a disappointing debut, anchored the Sixers’ chase with an unbeaten 58, guiding his side to a four-wicket victory with five balls to spare.
Batting first, Melbourne Renegades were restricted to 164 for nine in their allotted 20 overs. Opener Josh Brown provided early momentum with a brisk 43 off 19 balls, striking three fours and four sixes.
Jake Fraser-McGurk added stability in the middle order with 38 off 29 deliveries, including four boundaries. Hassan Khan also contributed 39 off 29 balls, hitting one four and three sixes.
Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan’s struggles in the tournament continued, as he was dismissed for six off 10 balls.
For the Sixers, Sean Abbott led the bowling attack with figures of three for 16 in four overs. Jack Edwards, Ben Dwarshuis and Hayden Kerr claimed two wickets each to keep the Renegades in check.
Babar Azam anchors successful chase
Chasing a target of 165, Sydney Sixers reached 165 for four in 19.1 overs. Babar Azam played the central role, scoring an unbeaten 58 off 46 balls, which included four fours and a six.
Opener Daniel Hughes supported him with 30 off 23 deliveries, hitting two fours and a six. Joel Davies sealed the chase with a rapid unbeaten 34 off 15 balls, striking three fours and two sixes.
The win lifted Sydney Sixers to sixth place on the BBL 15 points table. They now have two wins and three losses from five matches, with four points and a net run rate of 0.202.
Melbourne Renegades remain seventh, with one win and three defeats from four matches. They have two points and a net run rate of minus 0.879.
