Renegades no match for Heat

Harper leads the way
Chasing 174 for victory, the Renegades needed a big contribution from their top order.

Fortunately, Sam Harper (57 runs from 32 deliveries) was up to the challenge.

Shaun Marsh (28 from 27) made a solid start, but it was Harper who made all the running at first drop, hammering four fours and four sixes on his way to a strike rate of 178.12.

Although the Gades were unable to establish a big partnership at any stage, while Harper was at the crease, anything was possible.

But when his day came to an end, caught by wicket keeper Jimmy Peirson after skying one off Marnus Labuschagne, so, too, did the Renegades’ hopes.

His big hitting aside, Harper managed to provide a highlight of a different kind in conjunction with his coach Michael Klinger.

Harper pulled one to the leg side boundary off Lewis Gregory that sailed over the rope and straight into the middle of a television interview involving Klinger and Fox Cricket’s Kath Loughnan.

Klinger showed he hasn’t lost any skill, safely pouching the catch without breaking a sweat.

Young paceman on the rise
Zak Evans must be a patient man.

He had to wait until his fourth BBL match to secure his first wicket, but once the first one fell, the next four came in quick succession.

The 20-year-old took two against the Stars on Wednesday night and followed up with 3-34 against the Heat at Marvel on Saturday.

He bowled at a good pace, hit the wicket hard and celebrated with passion. It all marks him as a player to watch in the seasons to come.

Evans was again well supported by the economical Imad Wasim (1-30 from four overs) and Peter Hatzoglou (1-29 from four overs), sharing the Renegades’ five wickets between them.

What comes next?
The Renegades have one more match remaining in their BBL|10 journey, hosting the Hobart Hurricanes at the MCG at 3.50pm (AEDT) on Tuesday.