The result: Melbourne Renegades 6-170 (Finch 57, Dwarshuis 3-35) lost to Sydney Sixers 4-171 (Hughes 41, Perera 2-26) by four wickets with three balls remaining.
The match in a tweet: Sixers success! Men in magenta take jump into second spot with tight win over Renegades #BBL06
Umpires' Verdict: Sixers v Renegades
The bizarre ending: James Pattinson was handed the responsibility of bowling the final over but it turned to chaos when he over-stepped with three balls remaining, handing the Sixers a run and a free hit. That meant the Sixers needed two to win, and when Brad Haddin hit one high toward the long on boundary, and it was taken by Tom Cooper on the fence, Haddin and Silk ran the two required to seal the deal. However, the Renegades didn't realise it was game over, prompting considerable confusion. But Haddin, who was handed the man-of-the-match award for his unbeaten 31 from 23 balls, said post match that the Sixers knew exactly the scenario.
Haddin explains chaotic conclusion
The form man: Daniel Hughes has been hitting them well in Shield and one-day cricket over the past 12 months, while his match-winning knock against the Heat last week was his finest in magenta. He continued to impress with a fine 41 (29) at the top of the order tonight, timing the ball beautifully in hitting six fours and a six. The Sixers' leading run-scorer in BBL|06 again top scored, his innings proving crucial in the wash-up.
In-form Hughes hits straps again
The run-out that wasn't: Hughes had made just nine when Peter Nevill collected the bails with his gloves before Aaron Finch's run-out attempt had a chance to hit the stumps. It could well have been a turning point in the contest.
Nevill's gloves save Hughes
The consolation effort: Aaron Finch seemed frustrated throughout his innings but nonetheless posted another BBL half-century. His 57 came from a surprisingly sedate 44 balls, with just three fours and a six, as the Renegades skipper provided the foundation for his team's innings without every clicking into that explosive gear he's certainly capable of.
Finch lays foundation with fine 57
The 'Catchologist': Damien Fleming is 'The Bowlologist', and he's already christened Heat batsman Alex Ross 'The Sweepologist', but tonight he introduced us to 'The Catchologist'. The ball followed Jackson Bird around the SCG in last week's Test match, with the Tasmanian taking four catches as a substitute fielder, and tonight he held onto another three – giving him seven catches across the past week, and a new moniker in the process.
Three more for 'The Catchologist'
The head knock: Peter Nevill didn't get a look-in with the bat but the Renegades keeper copped a nasty one behind the stumps. Nevill set himself to collect a return from the outfield when the ball took a strange deviation from the edge of the SCG pitch, skidding on and collecting him in the head and knocking him from his feet. The 30-year-old got to his feet and looked to have dusted the incident off, but was reviewed by the Renegades team doctor, who initially let him carry on before ushering him from the field for a concussion test. He was cleared and returned to action soon after.
Peter Nevill cops a nasty one on head
The shot: Cameron White a tennis fan? This was inventive – and effective – from the former national T20 skipper.
Watch White's tennis-smash six
The wicket-taker: Young left-armer Ben Dwarshuis claimed three key wickets for the Sixers, stalling the momentum of the 'Gades innings at critical times. It was another strong performance from Dwarshuis, who continues to grow in Sixers colours.
Umpire Smith calls Cooper's wicket
The MONSTER sixes: Who knew Callum Ferguson had this in his kit-bag? Usually synonymous with 'stylish' and 'classy', Ferguson took on Sean Abbott in the final over of the 'Gades innings and deposited his first two balls for six into the second tier over midwicket – the first 103m and the second 108m, the second-biggest of the tournament behind only Chris Lynn's 122m effort out of the Gabba.
Ferguson slams two monster sixes
The wash-up: The Sixers jump to eight points and a share of first with the Heat (second on net run-rate), with their next clash against the struggling Thunder on January 14. The Renegades have now lost two on the bounce and are two wins from five – meaning they're heading towards must-win territory when they host the Hurricanes on January 12.
