During Tuesday's Big Bash League game between the Melbourne Renegades and Hobart Hurricanes at the Bellerive Oval stadium, English all-rounder Jacob Bethell smashed his first half-century of the league. In the game's shortest format, a Melbourne Renegades player finally proved his value when he came alive in a crucial match for his team and hit a heroic fifty to keep them in the game.
Although the southpaw had displayed glimmers of his batting ability, the true Bethell showed up on Tuesday and put on a stunning performance against the Hobart attack.
Bethell's stunning knock
The Renegades were in trouble early on after being asked to bat, losing three quick wickets for 23 inside the PowerPlay. Then, with strong pairings with captain Will Sutherland and Tim Sifert, Bethell guided his team away from danger. Mitch Owen hit Bethell directly with the first ball of the last over, ending his time in the middle. Bethell hit eight fours and four sixes in his 50-ball 87. In 20 overs, the Renegades scored 154/7.
Bethell made the decision to take matters into his own hands by facing the Hurricanes' bowling attack. He switched to beast mode, delivered a few devastating blows, and smashed the CSK pacer Nathan Ellis for back-to-back sixes. The first ball was a full toss, and he whacked it towards wide long-off. The bowler was shocked by the attack, and the second six was hit towards the deep mid-wicket zone. Bethell broke the shackles after hitting a boundary to reach the fifty and chose to give Ellis a couple of massive blows.
This is also the highest score for Bethell in T20s. He might not have a great record in number but he has a lot of potential. Royal Challengers Bengaluru roped in the English all-rounder for Rs. 2.6 crore at the mega auction.