Melbourne Renegades hold off Sydney Thunder fightback in Big Bash League T20

Marcus Harris’ 64 helped Melbourne Renegades to 189-6 but they were subjected to a nervy finish after a stunning 28-run over from Ben Rohrer injected new life into the Sydney Thunder chase in their Big Bash League (BBL) match.

Melbourne Renegades put one foot in the Big Bash League semi-finals with a thrilling nine-run win against Sydney Thunder on Wednesday.

Kieron Pollard (2nd left) of the Melbourne Renegades celebrates with teammates after taking a catch to dismiss Shane Watson of the Sydney Thunder (not in pic) during the Big Bash League (BBL) match at Manuka Oval in Canberra, Australia on Wednesday. (Getty Images)

Marcus Harris’ 64 helped the Renegades to 189-6 but they were subjected to a nervy finish after a stunning 28-run over from Ben Rohrer injected new life into a wilting Thunder chase.

Rohrer (48) was caught off the excellent Kane Richardson (4-22) with five overs left to play, but Chris Green (22) guided the Thunder to the final over needing 14 to rescue an unlikely victory and their slim hopes of a place in the last four.

However, Kieron Pollard (2-19) saw off Green and Mitchell McClenaghan (9) to put the match to bed, to the relief of the Renegades fans in Canberra.

The result lifts the Renegades, whose innings included decent contributions from Matthew Short (28) and Pollard (23) to third with one match of the regular season left to play.

ROARING ROHRER’S SUPER OVER

The Renegades were on course for a comfortable innings until a blistering over from Rohrer transformed the Thunder’s chances.

Rohrer smashed 28 runs off six deliveries in the 14th over, hitting two sixes and four fours to spark hope of a revival.

However, that big hitting would ultimately cost the 36-year-old, who was caught at deep midwicket at the end of the next off the bowling of Richardson.

RENEGADES’ FATE IN THEIR OWN HANDS

Victory for the Renegades puts them in a strong position in the semi-final shake up.

Only Hobart Hurricanes, level on points with the Renegades, and Brisbane Heat, two behind, can now catch the Renegades, making them all but certain of a place in the last four.

The Heat and the Renegades face off in an intriguing final match of the regular season at The Gabba, while the Thunder’s campaign is now over.