Khawaja, Bartlett power Heat to Challenger | Cricbuzz.com

Bartlett took a three-for

Melbourne Renegades’ promising campaign came to an end in a home game in Melbourne, where they were beaten by Brisbane Heat by seven wickets. Chasing 163, Heat got past the line in only 18.5 overs, with Usman Khawaja top-scoring with 59 off 47. With the ball, Xavier Bartlett was the star of the show, picking 3 for 18 in a Player of the Match performance.

Khawaja, also the captain and playing his last BBL game this season, hit 8 fours and a six as he added 75 for the first wicket with Josh Brown (39 off 27). That formed the basis for Heat’s chase, which did get close at one point in time especially after Khawaja was caught off Tom Rogers’ bowling. That Marnus Labuschagne also fell in te same over didn’t help things but that’s when Matthew Renchaw blasted 27* off 13 balls, hitting 2 fours and 1 six to take his side among the last three teams in the competition.

Earlier, Shaun Marsh once again was among the runs in a crucial game, hitting 82 not out off 53 games to take his side to 162/5 after being sent in. He made up for losing Martin Guptill early to Bartlett and then added a 58-run stand with Sam Harper for the second wicket. The next best stand was between Marsh, who was dropped on 14, and Matthew Critchley, with the duo adding 40 for the fourth wicket. Both stands ended at a crucial time, thanks to Bartlett whose strikes ensured that Renegades finished with a below par total on the board.

Heat will now face Sydney Sixers for a spot in the final besides Perth Scorchers.

Brief Scores: Melbourne Renegades 162/5 in 20 overs (Marsh 82*; Bartlett 3-18) lost to Brisbane Heat 164/3 in 18.5 overs (Khawaja 59; Rogers 2-33) by 7 wickets