Big Bash Daily: Renegades end losing run against Strikers

Michael Klinger's side had lost seven in a row prior to the six-wicket win at the Adelaide Oval

Nabi prevails in Rashid clash

In the battle of the superstars of Afghanistan cricket, it was Mohammad Nabi who prevailed over Rashid Khan as Melbourne Renegades got over the line against Adelaide Strikers.

Nabi went to his best BBL score in his fourth season in the competition, smashing an unbeaten 71 from 41 deliveries.

Though the duel with Rashid only lasted five balls it went some way to deciding the outcome. The second delivery was the highlight, ending in a thunderous maximum over deep midwicket which brought up Nabi's half-century.

One dot from a quintet of deliveries highlighted how Rashid was unable to exert any authority. The leg-spinner's only success from his four overs came via a laughable lbw decision which saw Sam Harper dismissed to one which was drifting down the leg-side.

It remains to be seen for how much longer the BBL will be graced by Afghanistan's finest. The duo, plus Mujeeb-ur-Rahman of Brisbane Heat, were due to depart this week to prepare for the one-day international series against Ireland in the United Arab Emirates.

Each of the matches in the three-game series has been pushed back three days to give players more time to assemble, but as yet Renegades, Strikers and Heat have not confirmed their departure dates. The series is scheduled to be played on January 21, 24 and 26, with the mandatory 14-day quarantine upon entering Australia meaning the trio would likely miss the latter stages.

Big Bash fixtures 2020-21: Full BBL schedule, matches dates

Power surge mix-up

Renegades may have been pushed until the penultimate ball to claim a much-needed victory, but this was a contest which lacked consequence and intensity.

Perhaps that was down to Renegades' poor start to this competition or the unrelenting schedule which would sap even the most enthusiastic onlooker of passion.

The lukewarm feel of the occasion was summed up at the start of the 14th over when Strikers tried to call for the Power Surge.

Unless you've been living under a rock during this 10th BBL, a Power Surge is a roaming two-over powerplay which can be deployed at any stage during the second half of an innings by the batting side.

Alex Carey and Phil Salt were eager to take advantage of an authoritative start and Renegades skipper Aaron Finch set his field accordingly.

But the umpires didn't signal that the request had been lodged, and continued on their merry way. Amid incandescence from the commentary box, led by Shane Warne and Andrew Symonds, the officials in the middle Darren Close and David Taylor took three balls - by which time Carey had scored two maximums off Kane Richardson - to finally settle the issue.

Fortunately, Carey and Finch were ahead of the game and settled the problem without alarm. The former took 25 from the over, so it wasn't hard to determine who got the better of the exchange.

^{Sydney Showground might go unused for the rest of the competition}

BBL fixtures moved

Three group matches originally scheduled to take place in Sydney have been moved to Canberra's Manuka Oval due to border restrictions which are ongoing in Australia.

The Thunder-Sixers derby, which could determine who finishes top of the group, is among the matches affected.

Closure of the border between Victoria and NSW had led to the move, which could threaten future matches in the state.

Sydney is due to host at least five more game in the competition and could yet be the venue for the final on February 6.

Winners of the group stage are normally named as hosts of the BBL final though that approach could change this year due to Covid-19 regulations.

As a result, neutral venues could be deployed for the play-offs if the situation continues.