Henriques goes Big to lift Sixers over Gades but injuries Hurt

Moises Henriques played a fabulous knock to lift the Sydney Sixers to their first win of the season.

The Sydney Sixers started their BBL season with a five-wicket win over the Melbourne Renegades, but it came with bad news. Daniel Hughes and Hayden Kerr got injured during the game at the SCG on Monday night.

Sixers captain Moises Henriques led the charge with an unbeaten 53 runs, helping his team chase down the Renegades’ total of 7-169. The Sixers hit 5-172 in the 19th over, with Ben Dwarshuis smashing the winning four.

The Sixers fielded first, and Hughes hurt his elbow while diving for a catch. It was another tough moment for him after struggling to secure his spot in the team for two seasons. This injury forced the Sixers to adjust their lineup, moving Jack Edwards (37) up the order. He and James Vince (40) put together a solid 62-run partnership for the second wicket.

For the Renegades, captain Will Sutherland (2-20) fought back, dismissing Vince and getting Joel Davies caught behind.

As Henriques and Kerr were building momentum, Kerr hurt his hamstring running between the wickets. He had to leave the field, making way for Dwarshuis to bat.

The Renegades had a big chance to turn the game around when Henriques slipped while running. But Tom Rogers’ throw missed the stumps, and the Sixers survived. Henriques then punished Rogers by hitting him for a boundary on the next ball.

Henriques kept the pressure on and smashed two sixes off Adam Zampa in the 18th over, putting the Sixers in control.

Earlier in the game, Tim Seifert had a memorable BBL debut for the Renegades. The New Zealander scored 55 runs, showing off his reverse sweep. But once he was caught behind off Dwarshuis, the Renegades struggled to keep their innings alive.

Sean Abbott (2-34) also played a key role for the Sixers, taking the wicket of Jake Fraser-McGurk on his very first ball.