MOISES Henriques has steered the Sydney Sixers to a five-wicket victory over Melbourne Renegades to open their BBL|14 campaign on a high. The Sixers captain blasted an unbeaten 53 of 27 deliveries to see his side surpass the Renegades’ 7-169 total with nine balls to spare at the SCG.

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Henriques entered the crease at a comfortable 2-81, with James Vince (40 off 29) and Jack Edwards (37 off 28) combining for 62 runs in a strong second-wicket stand. Edwards was promoted to number three after Daniel Hughes injured his elbow attempting a catch in the first innings.

Things were much more precarious as the home side fell to 5-126, still requiring 44 from 30 deliveries after Henriques survived a runout chance. He took full advantage of the lifeline despite losing another partner as Hayden Kerr (hamstring) retired hurt. Ben Dwarshius (14 off six) hit the winning runs.

Renegades captain Will Sutherland stood tall, claiming 2-20 including the key wicket of Vince. His efforts with the ball followed some useful late runs to boost the visitors’ total, striking three boundaries en route to an unbeaten 36 off 28 deliveries.

Earlier, the Renegades were sent in to bat and gave a glimpse at what the league’s new bash brothers could produce. Jake Fraser-McGurk (21 off 12) and Josh Brown (22 off 10) struck at a combined 195, though could only produce a short-lived 22-run opening partnership.

Import Tim Seifert proved he is the real deal with 55 off 42 balls on debut, though after he departed the Renegades struggled to pick up the pieces. Marquee signing Laurie Evans could only manage one run in his first dig for the ‘Gades before being felled by Edwards.

Sean Abbott (2-34) and Dwarshius (2-42) picked apart the Renegades’ top six, while Joel Davies (1-24) was economical and removed Brown. Up next for the Sixers is a Sydney derby on Saturday night, while the Renegades face a shorter turnaround against Hobart at GMHBA Stadium on Thursday.

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SCORECARD

RESULT: Sixers won by 5 wickets with 9 balls remaining
POTM: Moises Henriques (Sydney Sixers)
BAT FLIP: Sydney Sixers won and elected to bowl

Melbourne Renegades 7-169 (20)
Tim Seifert 55 (42), Will Sutherland 36* (28), Josh Brown 22 (10)
Sean Abbott 2-34 (4), Ben Dwarshius 2-42 (4), Joel Davies 1-24 (4)

Sydney Sixers 5-172 (18.3)
Moises Henriques 53* (27), James Vince 40 (29), Jack Edwards 37 (28)
Will Sutherland 2-20 (2.3), Kane Richardson 1-23 (3), Hassan Khan 1-27 (3)

SQUADS

Sydney Sixers: Josh Philippe (wk), James Vince, Daniel Hughes, Moises Henriques, Jordan Silk, Jack Edwards, Joel Davies, Hayden Kerr, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshius, Todd Murphy

Melbourne Renegades: Jake Fraser-McGurk, Josh Brown, Tim Seifert (wk), Mackenzie Harvey, Laurie Evans, Hassan Khan, Will Sutherland (c), Fergus O’Neill, Tom Rogers, Adam Zampa, Kane Richardson