Analysis: Steve Smith enjoyed opening the batting once more as he top-scored in Sixers’ 175 for 6

At the SCG, Sydney Sixers defeated Melbourne Renegades despite an outstanding all-around effort from Will Sutherland thanks to another statement from Steven Smith, who scored a half-century.

At the SCG, Sydney Sixers defeated Melbourne Renegades despite an outstanding all-around effort from Will Sutherland thanks to another statement from Steven Smith, who scored a half-century.

Six days ahead of the first Test match between Australia and Pakistan, Smith enjoyed opening the batting once more as he top-scored in the Sixers’ 175 for 6, in a rare BBL appearance this season.

With an explosive 48 off 24 balls, Jake Fraser-McGurk unsettled the Sixers’ veteran attack. However, his removal shortly before drinks put Renegades at risk at 78 for 4.

Sutherland, who had earlier starred with the ball and added a late twist, forced the Sixers to work with him. He hit an explosive 51 off just 30 balls before the Sixers defeated the Renegades for the eighth time in a row.

Test spinner Nathan Lyon was one of the high-profile additions for the Renegades, who made the finals the previous season after making a comeback, but he did not play. However, Adam Zampa, a leg spinner who moved from the Melbourne Stars, did admirably, going 2 for 24.

They couldn’t break a Sixers curse, as Smith was once again excited to be back in the BBL.

Smith stole the show when the Sixers were sent to bat, hitting 61 off 42 balls in a knock that combined elegant, conventional strokes with creative, tennis-like swats. Josh Philippe opened the innings with a boundary off the first ball, hinting at what was to come, so he waited patiently for the strike.

After going through a rough patch in the Sheffield Shield this season, Philippe, once a BBL standout, was in excellent form as he hit five boundaries in his first 11 deliveries.

Off-spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman was forced into the attack during the power play with pace having no impact, but Smith treated him like a child by hitting three consecutive boundaries through the offside.

After four overs, Smith reached 25 off 10 balls as the Sixers reached 48 for 0. Zampa attempted to stop the attack, but Philippe slog took him for six and carried him into the famous Member’s Pavilion.

BEST PERFORMANCES – BATTERS

SPD Smith SS

61 runs (42) 7 fours 1 six

W Sutherland MR

51 runs (30) 1 four 4 sixes

BEST PERFORMANCES – BOWLERS

BJ Dwarshuis SS

O         4

M        0

R       36

W       3

ECO   9

W Sutherland MR

O          4

M         0

R        21

W        2

ECO   5.25

PARTNERSHIPS

Sydney Sixers

SPD Smith                 JR Philippe

28 (14)         58 (31)    29 (17)

MC Henriques           SPD Smith

40 (32)         69 (55)    28 (23)

Melbourne Renegades

AJ Finch                  J Fraser-McGurk

16 (19)        39 (32)       22 (13)

AJ Finch                  W Sutherland

13 (9)          37 (22)      24 (13)

PLAYER OF THE MATCH

Steven Smith SS

61 (42)