White was named Man of the Match for his brilliant knock of 61

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Melbourne Renegades skipper Cameron White led by example as he hammered a superb 61 to help his side defeat the Sydney Thunder by five wickets and keep their Big Bash League (BBL) campaign alive.

Thunder captain Michael Hussey would have been pleased with his decision to bat first as opening batsman Usman Khawaja set a solid foundation with his knock of 62, which came off 42 balls and included nine boundaries and a six.

Khawaja made a gutsy 62

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Shane Watson took over after Khawaja was dismissed as he smashed 62 off 43 deliveries, which included three boundaries and four sixes, to lead the Thunder to 173/5 off their 20 overs.

Watson scored a valiant 62

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Dwayne Bravo was the pick of the bowlers with two wickets, while Cameron Gannon, Nathan Rimmington and Tom Cooper took one wicket apiece.

Chasing 174 to win, the Renegades got off to a solid start before they lost Chris Gayle and Cooper in quick succession.

However, White and Bravo stabilised the innings with a crucial 91-run partnership, during which White brought up his half-century, before Bravo was caught and bowled by West Indian compatriot Andre Russell for 47.

Russell struck again two balls later as White was dismissed for 61 off 46 balls, which included three boundaries and four sixes.

Even though the Renegades lost both their set batsmen, they still managed to reach their target with four balls to spare.

Russell was the most successful bowler with two wickets, while Clint McKay and Fawad Ahmed claimed one wicket each.

White was named Man of the Match.