A Chris Lynn masterclass has guided the Adelaide Strikers to a commanding five-wicket win over the Melbourne Renegades at Marvel Stadium.
Lynn blasted 10 fours and four sixes on his way to a match-winning 88, that also marked his highest score for the Strikers.
While Lynn was the clear standout, Adelaide looked strong from the very start. With the Strikers winning the bat flip and electing to bowl, Brendan Doggett started the match with five dot balls and had the Renegades’ openers on the back foot immediately.
Doggett claimed the first wicket of the night shortly afterwards, dismissing Jake Fraser-McGurk who was caught behind.
The Renegades then steadied to 1-40 thanks to opener Josh Brown, before the Strikers' two Popes combined to remove Tim Seifert, with Ollie Pope deftly stumping Seifert off a delightful Lloyd Pope delivery.
Brown ploughed his way to 66 off 41 before he was finally caught on the boundary. Melbourne struggled from there with Henry Thornton removing both Mackenzie Harvey and Laurie Evans in the following over. A steady fall of wickets saw the Renegades finish at 9-142.
Thornton was the Strikers' leading wicket-taker with figures of 3/22 from four overs, while Doggett finished with an extremely economical 1/17 off his four overs.
It was then Chris Lynn’s time to shine, with the legendary showman moving up the order to open and proceeding to score all 37 of the Strikers’ runs in the power play.
Lynn repeatedly found the gaps in the field and put together a stunning 104-run opening partnership with D’Arcy Short (27).
Lynn’s spectacular showing ensured an Adelaide victory was a foregone conclusion, with Alex Ross and Jamie Overton finishing the job at the crease and finalising a five-wicket win with 17 balls remaining.
The Strikers return to action when they face the Hobart Hurricanes at Ninja Stadium on January 5. The team's next game at Adelaide Oval is against the Brisbane Heat on January 11.