Twitter Reactions: Steve Smith shines as Sydney Sixers emerge victorious over Melbourne Renegades in BBL|13

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Sydney Sixers defeated Melbourne Renegades by eight runs in Match 2 of the Big Bash League 2023-24. The Sydney-based side outshined the Renegades in every facet of the game, registering victory in their first encounter of the BBL’s 13th edition.

Smith Shines with the bat for Sixers​

Invited to bat first, the Sixers, spearheaded by Steve Smith and Josh Philippe, made a strong start. They reached 48 runs in the first four overs, establishing a 50-run opening stand by the fifth over, putting the Renegades on the back foot.

But then Will Sutherland‘s first over saw two quick wickets, Philippe (29) and James Vince (1), reducing the Sixers to 60/2. Smith and captain Moises Henriques then built a crucial partnership for the third wicket, adding 69 runs before Henriques fell for 40 in the 16th over, offering the Renegades an opportunity. Playing his 100th BBL game, Adam Zampa dismissed Smith for 61 off 42 balls, and Tom Curran faced a golden duck on the next delivery.

Jordan Silk (26 not out off 14 balls) and Jack Edwards (14 off ten balls) played impactful cameos, guiding the Sixers to a competitive total of 175/6 by the end of their innings.

Also READ: Steve Smith to retire from Test cricket? Aussie superstar’s manager responds​

Sixers’ solid defence with the ball​

Starting the defence strongly, fast bowler Jackson Bird dismissed Nic Maddinson in the opening over, and Joe Clarke fell within the powerplay. Jake Fraser-McGurk‘s impressive innings of 48 runs off 24 balls, including five fours and three sixes, added 39 runs with Aaron Finch for the 4th wicket.

While Ben Dwarshuis removed Fraser-McGurk for 48, Finch was the sixth wicket to fall with Renegades needing 51 runs off 28 balls. Will Sutherland (51 off 30) kept the Renegades in contention, but despite his efforts the touring party fell short by 8 runs, finishing at 167-7 in their stipulated overs.

Also READ: Aussie opener David Warner breaks his silence over Mitchell Johnson’s eye-brow raising opinions​

Here’s how fans reacted:​

The @SixersBBL start with a bang at the SCG ? #BBL13 pic.twitter.com/AXSkd5Rbzn

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 8, 2023

Sydney Sixers won a thriller against Melbourne Renegades

Scorecard: https://t.co/Zi2YOgAmGU#BBL13 #cricket #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/Mhj88vIjyd

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 8, 2023

Fantastic win for Sydney Sixers. #BBL13

— Faiz Fazel (@theFaizFazel) December 8, 2023

And my sweet heart @SixersBBL won their first match
Well deserved win for #Sydneysixers#BBL13 pic.twitter.com/dFtZL1s7r1

— ?? ??????(LQ?) (@SafiMughalRumi7) December 8, 2023

??? ???? ?????? !!!!!

Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Renegades, 2nd Match
SYS 175/6 (20)
MLR 167/7 (20)
Sydney Sixers won by 8 runs
PLAYER OF THE MATCHm – Steven Smith#BBL #BBL13 #SteveSmith pic.twitter.com/wdzVUyh1t2

— (ZEESHAN)®08 (@Muhamma15874875) December 8, 2023

Not the result we wanted in Sydney.

We look towards Geelong on Sunday #BBL13 | #GETONRED pic.twitter.com/n2dDzfiCVG

— Melbourne Renegades (@RenegadesBBL) December 8, 2023

Sydney Sixers won by 8 Runs ?#BBL

— ͏ ͏͏͏ ͏ ͏ ͏͏͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏͏͏ ͏ ͏͏͏ ͏ ۣ͏͏͏? ? ? ? ? (@Itz_Aruntweetz) December 8, 2023

Last 6 games in BBL, 4 Player of the Match award for Steven Smith ?

The Impact Player for Sydney Sixers ? pic.twitter.com/iqqAOlQR61

— JustMyThoughts (@shaibal_27) December 8, 2023

It turned out to be a close game at the end

Will Sutherland 4-0-21-2 and 51* (30)#BBL13 pic.twitter.com/pnDmdxVE7e

— Abhijeet ♞ (@TheYorkerBall) December 8, 2023

The @SixersBBL start with a bang at the SCG ? #BBL13 pic.twitter.com/LkHjqDXoIG

— Helvin Cardoz (@CardozHelvin) December 8, 2023

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