A half-century from Andre Russell (57 off 42) and a quickfire innings from Akeal Hosein (30 off 19) overpowered Michael Neser’s hat-trick as Melbourne Renegades beat Brisbane Heat by four wickets in Geelong. This marked Renegades’ third victory on the trot this season.

Chasing a modest target of 138, Renegades were reduced to 9 for 4 inside the third over, thanks to Neser’s hat-trick that saw Jake Fraser McGurk, Nic Maddinson and Jonathon Wells fall off consecutive balls spread across two overs. But a patient 31* off 43 from Aaron Finch helped Renegades stay in the game as Russell smashed 2 fours and 6 sixes, including one measuring over 103 meters.

Russell and Finch added 81 runs for the fifth wicket before West Indian all-rounder fell in the 15th over, caught off the bowling of Mark Steketee. That’s when Hosein joined the party, hit 2 fours and 2 sixes and ensured that Renegades got past the line with four balls to spare. Neser finished with figures of 4 for 32.

Earlier, Tom Rogers’ career-best figures of 4 for 23 and Hosein’s 3 for 26 ensured that Heat dragged to 137/8 after opting to bat. Jimmy Peirson, captain and wicketkeeper, top-scored with 45* off 30 but he really lacked support from the other end. Matt Renshaw’s run-a-ball 29 and Sam Billings’ 25 off 19 were the only batters who got starts, with all others limited to single digits.

Brief Scores: Brisbane Heat 137/8 in 20 overs (Peirson 45*; Rogers 4-23) lost to Melbourne Renegades 139/6 in 19.2 overs (Russell 57; Neser 4-32) by 4 wickets