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Headlined by debutant Peter Hatzoglou and Shaun Marsh, the Melbourne Renegades have opened their BBL summer with a convincing victory over the Perth Scorchers.
Melbourne Renegades spinner Peter Hatzoglou produced an eye-catching Big Bash League debut as his side cruised to a seven-wicket win over a disappointing Perth Scorchers.
Hatzoglou's quick leg breaks had both Cameron Bancroft and Mitch Marsh trapped lbw cheaply in the middle overs as Perth spluttered to 130 all out at Blundstone Arena.
Classy veterans Shaun Marsh (62 from 47 balls) and Aaron Finch (35) knocked off the bulk of the runs, with the Renegades reaching the meagre target with 21 balls remaining.
Hatzoglou, who has plied his trade in grade cricket with Melbourne University and Adelaide side Prospect, got hit for 12 in his first over but returned strongly to claim 2-29 off four.
He was only announced as a replacement signing by the Renegades on Monday after the withdrawal of Marcus Harris and Will Sutherland due to Australia A duties.
"He did brilliantly. And the most impressive thing is he was up for the contest," Renegades' teammate Josh Lalor, who took 3-30, said.
Lalor said Hatzoglou's anonymity was an advantage and predicted there would be more surprise packets in the COVID-affected tournament.
"We've got to remember that these guys are really excellent cricketers and they're keen to have an opportunity," he said
"Sometimes the guys that are fresh faced are the ones with the most energy.
"I don't think Pete's going to be the only one for the tournament, put it that way."
After electing to bat on Saturday night, Perth lost their top three in the first three overs and never built a sizeable partnership.
Lalor struck two early blows, bowling a charging Colin Ingram for a duck and having English import Joe Clarke (10) caught top edging.
Mitch Marsh and Ashton Turner launched a rescue mission but that ended when the latter was run out by a brilliant direct hit from Renegades wicketkeeper Sam Harper.
Turner looked good hitting five boundaries in his 24 off 16 balls and built a promising 39-run partnership with Marsh before being undone chasing a quick single.
Shaun Marsh then showed why he is one of the top BBL bats, hitting seven fours and a six, before being bowled with the scores tied.