Cricket fans and commentators are questioning why Matt Renshaw was awarded the player of the match award instead of Jake Wildermuth after the Brisbane Heat’s extraordinary win in the BBL on Friday night. The Heat pulled off the highest successful run chase in BBL history after the Perth Scorchers amassed 6-257 while batting first.
In response, Renshaw slammed 102 off 51 balls and Wildermuth made 110 not out from 54 as the Heat got home with a ball to spare. Wildermuth also took the key wicket of Cooper Connolly for 77 in the Scorchers’ batting innings, and hit the winning runs as he remained unbeaten at the death.
Jake Wildermuth (L) made more runs, but Matt Renshaw (R) was awarded player of the match. Image: Getty/Fox Sports
His previous highest score in the BBL was just 31, but he made the most of his opportunity opening the batting. Wildermuth made more runs at a slightly better strike-rate than Renshaw, yet it was Renshaw who was awarded the player of the match award after the game.
Wildermuth hadn’t even left the field yet when Renshaw was announced as the winner on Fox Sports. It left a slightly sour taste in fans’ mouths, with many of the belief the decision was wrong and Wildermuth should have got it.
Many thought Jake Wildermuth (R) should have got player of the match instead of Matt Renshaw (L). Image: Getty
Tim Gossage of SEN radio wrote on social media: “How did Renshaw beat Wildermuth for man of match?” A fan wrote: “Wildermuth was absolutely robbed of the player of the match. Scored the winning runs and took the wicket of Cooper Connolly.”
Another pointed out that Renshaw was actually dismissed on 9, but got a reprieve because it was a no-ball. Wildermuth’s innings was relatively chanceless apart from being dropped on 42.
“How is Renshaw the man of the match?” Another person asked. “Wildermuth took a big wicket and scored more runs at a faster pace.” While another wrote: “Wildermuth ridiculously stiff to not win man of the match.”
Records tumble in astonishing BBL thriller
The combined total of 515 runs was the third-most in a professional T20 game anywhere around the world. The Scorchers and Heat both smashed 18 sixes in their respective innings, with both teams breaking the previous BBL record of 17.
“I still don’t really believe it. A bit of a pinch-me moment, a lot of goosebumps,” Renshaw said afterwards. “A lot of people probably put us out of the contest, and probably we did as well when we lost that first wicket. Just that never-say-die attitude. It was just trust yourself. We had a bit of luck on our side as well tonight.”