Melbourne Renegades Archives

Strikers rout Renegades for 99 to sign off BBL 15 with dominant win

ADELAIDE: Adelaide Strikers wrapped up their Big Bash League (BBL) 15 campaign in emphatic fashion, thrashing Melbourne Renegades by eight wickets after bowling them out for a paltry 99 at the Adelaide Oval on Saturday.

In their final group-stage fixture, the Strikers opted to field after winning the toss, a decision that paid immediate dividends.

Jerrssis Wadia struck with the first two balls of the innings, removing Tim Seifert and Jake Fraser-McGurk for golden ducks to leave the Renegades in early disarray.

Mohammad Rizwan and Hassan Khan attempted to steady the innings with 17 runs apiece, while Caleb Jewell chipped in with 14. However, wickets continued to tumble at regular intervals, denying the Renegades any momentum.

Skipper Will Sutherland offered brief resistance, top-scoring with 38 off 28 deliveries, but found little support from the other end.

South African spinner Tabraiz Shamsi ripped through the lower order, finishing with four wickets, including the key scalp of Sutherland.

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Wadia and Lloyd Pope provided solid support, claiming two wickets each as Melbourne were bundled out for 99 in just 16.5 overs.

Chasing a modest target, the Strikers never looked under pressure.

Alex Carey got them off to a brisk start with 22 off 15 balls, while captain Matthew Short played a fluent knock of 30 from 22 deliveries before departing with the result all but sealed.

Chris Lynn (27) and Liam Scott (18) then completed the chase in quick time, guiding Adelaide home with 49 balls to spare to cap off a comprehensive victory.

Despite the convincing win, the Strikers finished the BBL 15 season in sixth place on the points table, while the Renegades ended their campaign in seventh, concluding a disappointing outing for the Melbourne-based side.

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WATCH: Rizwan becomes first Pakistan player to be retired out in T20s

SYDNEY: Wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Rizwan became Pakistan’s first player to be retired out in T20 cricket during the 33rd fixture of the Big Bash League (BBL) 15 between Melbourne Renegades and Sydney Thunder.

Rizwan scored a sluggish 26 from 23 balls with the help of two fours and a six before Renegades skipper Will Sutherland called the batter back to the pavilion.

At this stage, Renegades were 154-5 at the end of the 18th over.

The video set social media abuzz with fans questioning the decision to retire Rizwan.

Notably, Rizwan also became the first overseas batter in the ongoing tournament to be retired out.

Overall, Mohammad Rizwan is going through a horror run in the BBL 15, scoring 167 runs in eight matches at a modest average of 20.87, with a strike rate of 101.82.

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Nonetheless, Melbourne Renegades eventually managed to put on a show with the bat as they racked up 170/8 at the end of their allotted 20 overs.

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Hassan Khan remained the star batter as he hit four sixes and a boundary on his way to 46 from 31 balls.

For Sydney Thunder, Wes Agar, Ryan Hadley, and David Willey picked up two wickets each.

In reply, Sydney Thunder scored 140-5 in 15.2 overs before rain arrived, which handed them a four-wicket victory as per the DLS method.

Nic Maddinson and Chris Green starred with the bat, particularly the latter, scoring an unbeaten 34 from 13 balls with the aid of three sixes and three fours.

For Melbourne Renegades, it was Gurinder Sandhu again with the ball as he picked up his third fourth-wicket haul of the tournament.

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BBL 15: Harper, Rogers power Stars past Renegades in Melbourne derby

Sam Harper and Thomas Rogers struck commanding half-centuries as Melbourne Stars cruised to a dominant win over the Renegades in the Big Bash League (BBL) 15 derby at Docklands Stadium on Saturday.

Stars captain Marcus Stoinis won the toss and opted to bowl, a decision that paid dividends early when Tom Curran removed in-form opener Tim Seifert for three in the second over.

Josh Brown attempted to anchor the Renegades innings and kept the scoreboard ticking despite wickets falling at regular intervals.

Hassan Khan and Mohammad Rizwan offered brief resistance with 23 and 21, respectively, but Brown remained the lone bright spot before he was trapped lbw by Peter Siddle in the 18th over.

Brown top-scored with a fighting 80 off 50 balls, which included seven fours and four sixes, as the Renegades posted 166-7 in their 20 overs.

Stoinis led the bowling effort with three wickets, while Haris Rauf claimed two. Curran and Siddle chipped in with one apiece to keep the Renegades in check.

In reply, the Stars made a flying start through Harper and Rogers, who added 84 runs in just 45 balls for the opening wicket.

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Rogers played the aggressor, smashing a rapid 53 off 24 deliveries, featuring four fours and four sixes, before a mix-up led to his dismissal.

Campbell Kellaway’s stay was short-lived, and his departure brought Glenn Maxwell to the crease.

Maxwell combined with Harper in an unbroken 78-run partnership that took the game away from the Renegades.

Harper anchored the chase with an unbeaten 84 off 51 balls, striking eight fours and four sixes, as the Stars sealed an eight-wicket victory with 25 balls to spare.

The result lifted Melbourne Stars from third to second place on the BBL 15 points table, strengthening their push for a playoff berth.

The Renegades, meanwhile, remained seventh despite suffering defeat after back-to-back wins. While their position leaves little margin for error, they are still mathematically in contention heading into their remaining fixtures.

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Renegades clinch thriller with last-ball six over Scorchers

PERTH: Oliver Peake hit a last-ball six to seal a thrilling victory for Melbourne Renegades over Perth Scorchers in the 26th fixture of the Big Bash League (BBL) 15 here at the Perth Stadium on Wednesday.

Set 128, Renegades hit the winning runs on the last ball of the final over with four wickets in hand.

Tim Seifert and Josh Brown added 26 for the opening wicket partnership before a middle-overs collapse left them tottering at 72-5 in 12.3 overs.

Mohammad Rizwan could not get going as his sluggish 21 from 25 balls ended in the 10th over,

Nonetheless, it was Oliver Peake’s brilliant knock that held the Renegades innings together.

The 19-year-old partnered with skipper Will Sutherland for a 42-run partnership that brought the score to 114 in 18.3 overs.

Sutherland made 15 off 18 balls with the help of a six.

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With 10 required of the last six deliveries, Aaron Hardie had the ball in his hands. Peake took a double on the first two balls, which was followed by two singles and another double run.

With four needed off the final ball, Peake launched a six over covers to win it for his side.

He remained unbeaten on 42 from 30 balls with the aid of a single boundary and four fours.

For Perth Scorchers, David Payne, Jhye Richardson, and Joel Paris scalped one wicket apiece.

Earlier, put into bat first, Gurinder Sandhu led the bowling attack skittled Perth Scorchers for 127 in 19.2 overs.

The Scorchers’ innings started on a shaky note as Finn Allen and Cooper Connolly were dismissed in a cheap manner.

Mitchell Marsh was also sent back for 27, leaving Perth Scorchers 49 for 3 in 7.3 overs.

Wickets continued to tumble in the middle overs with Aaron Hardie remaining the highest scorer for his side. He made 44 off 40 balls with the aid of four boundaries and a six.

Gurinder Sandhu starred with the ball as he picked up his consecutive four-wicket haul. Hassan Khan supported him well with two wickets in his four overs.

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BBL 15: Seifert’s century powers Renegades to victory over Heat

GEELONG: Tim Seifert’s blistering century backed by a clinical bowling effort, which powered Melbourne Renegades to victory over Brisbane Heat in the second fixture of the Big Bash League (BBL) 15 here at the GMHBA Stadium on Monday.

Set 213, Brisbane Heat fell short by 14 runs, managing to score 198-8 at the end of 20 overs.

Colin Munro remained the top-scorer with 55 from 32, striking five sixes and three fours, whereas wickets tumbled around him.

Jason Behrendorff removed opener Jack Wildermuth for a duck to provide the Heat a solid start, which was backed by skipper Nathan McSweeney’s wicket in the third over, who could only manage nine.

As a result, Brisbane Heat were reduced to 21-2 in 3.1 overs with Munro and Matt Renshaw at the crease. The duo tried to put the chase back on track with a brief 34-run partnership.

Renshaw made 18 off 12 with the aid of two boundaries and a six before being caught. At this stage, the scorecard read 55-3 in 6.5 overs.

Catch Big Bash League (BBL) 15 news updates here!

Meanwhile, Munro continued on and stitched another 45-run stand with Max Bryant, which propelled the score to the 100-run mark at the end of 11.2 overs.

The threatening stand culminated with Bryant’s wicket, who perished for 14 from 16 balls, which was also followed by two wickets in the 12th over.

As a result, Heat slumped from 100-4 to 108-6 in 13 overs. However, Jimmy Peirson and Hugh Weibgen provided their side with a hope with a brisk 78-run partnership of only 35 balls.

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Peirson hit three sixes and four boundaries in his brisk 22-ball half-century, whereas Weibgen remained unbeaten on 38 from 20 deliveries, hitting two sixes and four boundaries.

Eventually, it was not enough with the required rate ballooning as Heat fell short of the target.

For Melbourne Renegades, Will Sutherland stood out with three wickets to his name while Gurinder Sandhu and Jason Behrendorff scalped two apiece.

Earlier, put into bat first, Melbourne Renegades racked up 212-5 in their allotted 20 overs, thanks to Tim Seifert’s 102 off 56, peppered with nine fours and six maximums.

Josh Brown was caught for 15 in the third over, followed by Mohammad Rizwan’s (4) dismissal after the powerplay. With Renegades 49-2, Siefert held firm at one end and shared a brief 33-run partnership, which brought the score to 8-3 in 9.3 overs.

Jake Fraser-McGurk made 14 from seven with the aid of a six and a four.

However, the highlight of the Renegades’ innings was the match-defining partnership between Tim Siefert and Oliver Peake, who added 121 from 57 balls on the fourth wicket.

As a result, Renegades’ scoring rate exceeded the 200-run mark, which eventually proved match-winning. Oliver Peake was caught after making 57 from 29, studded with half a dozen boundaries and three sixes.

For Brisbane Heat, Jack Wildermuth remained the stand out bowler, who picked up three wickets in his quota of four overs.

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Renegades fans eager to see Rizwan in action, says GM James Rosengarten

Melbourne Renegades General Manager James Rosengarten shared that the fans of the team are eagerly waiting to see Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan in action in the upcoming season of the Big Bash League (BBL).

Speaking exclusively to ARY News via video link, Rosengarten highlighted the growing buzz around the tournament, noting that this season marks the first time several of Pakistan’s biggest names will feature across different franchises.

“The Big Bash League is just days away, and the inclusion of Pakistan’s superstar players has truly taken the tournament to another level,” Rosengarten said.

“For the first time, players like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf will represent different teams, and that has created huge anticipation.”

The Renegades GM said Rizwan’s arrival in Melbourne has generated particular excitement among local fans.

“In Australia, and especially in Melbourne, Pakistani fans are eagerly waiting for the Big Bash League,” he said.

“The fan clubs are ready, everyone is waiting to see when Mohammad Rizwan will step onto the field.”

Rosengarten also underlined the importance of Rizwan’s role within the Renegades setup, pointing to his partnership with Tim Seifert as a key asset.

“The combination of Mohammad Rizwan and Tim Seifert is very important for our team,” he said.

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“Along with that, young Pakistani cricketer Hasan Khan will also be a major point of interest this season.”

Acknowledging the presence of Pakistan’s star players across rival franchises, Rosengarten said the Renegades are prepared for the challenge.

“Babar Azam will be playing for Sydney Sixers, but we will step onto the field fully prepared,” he said. “Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf will bring serious pace, but our batters will be ready to compete.”

When asked if he would have liked to sign another Pakistani player, Rosengarten named Saim Ayub as his top choice.

“If I had the opportunity to draft one more Pakistani player, I would definitely choose Saim Ayub,” he said.

Rosengarten also thanked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi for facilitating the participation of Pakistani players in the league.

“I want to thank PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi,” he said.

“The decision to issue No Objection Certificates to so many Pakistani superstars is very encouraging. The cricketing relationship between Pakistan and Australia is becoming stronger with each passing day.”

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Rizwan ‘excited’ to make mark in maiden BBL appearance

Pakistan wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Rizwan is excited and geared up for his maiden stint with the Melbourne Renegades in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL) 15.

Speaking in an interview with Cricket Australia, Rizwan shed light on his cricketing career and deemed performing well in Australia crucial for a player’s success.

“If you perform there, the world will know you. I’m very excited to play in the Big Bash,” Rizwan said.

He highlighted difficult conditions down under while recalling his career-defining innings against Australia.

During Pakistan’s 2019 tour, Rizwan scored a gritty 95 at the Gabba against a full-strength Australian attack comprising Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon.

“I love the conditions in Australia because they challenge both batters and bowlers. One innings in Australia changed my career,” the former Pakistan captain recalled.

“After that series, people said, ‘This is Rizwan, the one who performed in Australia,’” he continued.

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The 33-year-old praised Australia’s players’ mentality and their passion on the field, which brings a different competition in the game.

“They play with heart, they’re brave, and they stick to what they decide. I love that.

Rizwan will be playing alongside several ace Pakistan players in the upcoming BBL.

“In PSL, when Shaheen comes, he attacks me, and I attack him,” Rizwan said of Shaheen Afridi while mentioning that he has never played his compatriots outside of Pakistan’s domestic cricket.

“We’ve never played against each other outside Pakistan domestic cricket. We are very close, but this is different. They’ll come with energy.”

For those unaware, the 15th edition of the BBL will run from 14 December to 25 January 2026, featuring 44 matches in prime early-evening slots.

Babar is set to make his BBL debut for the Sydney Sixers. Shaheen Afridi was signed by Brisbane Heat as their first overseas platinum pick, and Rizwan joins Melbourne Renegades.

Rauf will represent Melbourne Stars, Shadab Khan was signed by Sydney Thunder, Hasan Ali was drafted by Adelaide Strikers, and Hassan Khan will play for the Renegades.

READ: Pakistan players set to prioritise national duty over BBL 15: reports

Rizwan looks forward to ‘competitive’ BBL stint with Melbourne Renegades

Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has expressed his excitement to don the Melbourne Renegades colours in the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) 15.

In a video shared by the BBL’s official social media handles, Rizwan opened up about his admiration for Australian cricket and his hunger for new challenges.

“Look, my career, I always love challenges,” Rizwan said.

“And I have seen the cricket of Australia. The way I have played against these guys, they are challenging players. I love the way they play.”

The Pakistan star praised the Australian cricketing mindset, highlighting their discipline and clarity in execution.

“It doesn’t matter what the world is doing; Australian players always stick to their plans. Whatever they decide, they go for it, no matter the situation,” he added.

Set to join a new dressing room for the first time in a major franchise league outside Asia, Mohammad Rizwan shared his enthusiasm about integrating into the Renegades setup and learning from the experience.

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“I always love challenges, the atmosphere of the stadium, the people, the cricketers, I love them all,” he added.

“The cricket in the Big Bash is very competitive; it’s not easy cricket. Every game tests you.”

Calling the Renegades his “new family,” Rizwan expressed confidence that the experience would be both enjoyable and rewarding.

“Yes, the Renegades might be a new family for me, but they have a great history. We’ll enjoy our time together, let’s see what happens there,” he concluded.

The 15th season of the Big Bash League is set to begin on December 14, 2025, featuring 44 matches.

The opening fixture will see Perth Scorchers take on Sydney Sixers at the Perth Stadium, a contest that will also mark Babar Azam’s much-anticipated BBL debut.

READ: Pakistan wrestler Hasan Ali advances to Asian Youth Games Quarter-finals

Melbourne Renegades reveal ‘Rizwan v Babar Bay’ for Sydney Sixers clash

The Big Bash League (BBL) season 15 will embrace a distinctly Pakistani flavour as the Melbourne Renegades and Sydney Sixers introduce fan zones to celebrate their superstar signings, Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam.

The Renegades have unveiled the ‘Rizwan v Babar Bay’ at Marvel Stadium ahead of their New Year’s Day clash against the Sixers, marking one of the most anticipated fixtures of BBL 15.

The franchise announced the initiative through its social media platforms, captioning the post: “Kicking 2026 off with a bang! Two icons. One bay. An electric atmosphere. Don’t miss it!”

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Meanwhile, the Sixers have launched “Babaristan,” a special fan zone dedicated to former Pakistan captain Babar Azam.

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The franchise made the announcement across its social media platforms with the caption, “Introducing Babaristan — A Fan Zone Like No Other,” sparking excitement among cricket fans both in Australia and Pakistan.

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“We’re celebrating cricket culture like never before with Babaristan — a brand-new Sixers fan zone dedicated to welcoming one of the world’s greatest cricketers, Babar Azam,” the franchise said in its official statement.

Fans will get their first glimpse of Babaristan when the Sixers open their campaign against the Adelaide Strikers on December 17.

The BBL’s 15th edition, running from December 14, 2025, to January 25, 2026, will feature 44 matches, all scheduled in early-evening slots to attract maximum viewership.

The tournament kicks off with a blockbuster clash between two powerhouse sides, the Perth Scorchers and Sydney Sixers, at Perth Stadium.

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Abdul Samad opens up after powering Pakistan Shaheens to victory

DARWIN: Pakistan Shaheens middle-order batter Abdul Samad has shared his thoughts after a sublime knock against Melbourne Renegades Academy in the Top End T20 Series here on Monday at the TIO Stadium.

Pakistan Shaheens recovered from a shaky start to post 178-5 in their 20 overs, courtesy of Samad’s heroics.

Abdul Samad remained unbeaten on a scintillating 110 off 63 deliveries, laced with six fours and six sixes.

In reply, the Renegades were bundled out for 105 in the final over, chasing a 179-run target.

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For the Shaheens, Maaz Sadaqat led the attack with three wickets while Faisal Akram picked up two.

This result marked the Renegades Academy’s first defeat in the Top End T20 Series, while Pakistan Shaheens secured their second win in three matches.

Speaking in the post-match presentation, Abdul Samad shed light on his knock in challenging circumstances.

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“The conditions were not favorable to bat, and I only tried to bat 20 overs and stay in the middle,” he said.

The right-handed batter revealed his mindset, stating that his goal was to take the team’s total above 150 runs.

“When I was batting, I tried to take the team score above 150, which we believed we could defend,” said Samad.

The 27-year-old highlighted that the Pakistan Shaheens team is very balanced while acknowledging the crowd for their support.

“Our team is very balanced and we know our strengths, especially bowling. This was one of my best knocks, and the crowd here supported us really well,” he concluded.

READ: Ton-up Abdul Samad powers Pakistan Shaheens to victory over Melbourne Renegades