THU VS REN Match 40, Big Bash League T20 2023-24, THU VS REN Live Score 2023-24, THU VS REN Scorecard Today

Right then, that is it from the last league game of BBL 2023-24 which ends up being a washout. However, next up is the playoffs and things will get heated up now. The focus shifts now on the Qualifier where Brisbane Heat takes on Sydney Sixers for a direct spot in the final. The loser of that game will have another shot as well. That game will be played on January 19, Friday at 2.10 pm IST (8.40 am GMT), but as you know, you can always join us early for all the build-up to the match. Until then, cheers and goodbye!

Bad news folks! The inevitable has happened and this match has been called off due to rain. An anti-climactic end to a legendary career for Shaun Marsh, and he would have surely hoped to take the field one last time before bidding adieu to the sport. However, fate and rain gods had other ideas and both sides finish the season as the bottom two teams. They will need to make a few changes and come back stronger to put up a better challenge in the next season.

UPDATE - 2.35 pm IST (9.05 am GMT) - The covers are still firmly placed and the rain has not stopped yet. The word from the middle is that the latest this game can start for a 5 over per side match is 3.50 pm IST (10.20 am GMT), but the groundstaff will need around an hour to prepare the ground. Time is running out here.

UPDATE - 2 pm IST (8.30 am GMT) - Nothing new to update on as it is still raining pretty heavily. The forecast also does not look promising, but we hope that we get to see atleast some action. Fingers crossed.

UPDATE - 1.15 pm IST (7.45 am GMT) - The Bat-flip should have been done by now, but it is raining in Sydney and the covers are also on. Consequently, the start has been delayed as well. So, the waiting game starts now. Stay with us for further updates.

On the other hand, the Melbourne Renegades are just 2 points ahead of the Thunder. They recently won their second match where veteran Shaun Marsh scored 64 runs and remained unbeaten till the end to win it for his team, but he too will be wearing this jersey for one last time as he has also announced his retirement. The side is filled with star-studded players but they have failed to execute their game plan properly. It will be hard to fill the void left by their all-time top scorer, Aaron Finch who announced his retirement in the last game. Jake Fraser-McGurk has been one of the positives with his batting form and that is why they have extended his contract as well. Tom Rogers and Will Sutherland have also done well but lacked consistency. They will hope that everything falls in place in this game. Will the Renegades be able to end the season on a positive note? Or will the Thunder avoid the wooden spoon? Let's find out! Toss and team news in a bit. 

Sydney Thunder are rock bottom with only one win that they achieved against the Melbourne Stars in late December, but after that things started to fall apart. Both the departments haven't been up to the mark throughout this whole season. Only positive point is that they are facing the Renegades against whom they have a good head-to-head record with six wins in the last eight games. However, they still have to come up with a plan to win with a big margin so they can avoid being at the bottom of the table.

Hello and welcome everyone for tuning in as we built up to Match No. 40 where Sydney Thunder takes on Melbourne Renegades at the Giant's Stadium. The weather is a bit overcast and there are chances of rain, but we hope that the rain gods show some mercy.

... MATCHDAY ...

The BBL group stage is ending, and both the Sydney Thunder and Melbourne Renegades aim to finish their disappointing seasons on a high note. Sydney Thunder has only won three games, with their star-studded top order failing to deliver consistent results. The Renegades hold a two-point lead over the Thunder, but a loss in this match will see them finish at the bottom of the standings. Sydney Thunder suffered a heavy 9-wicket defeat in their last match, likely prompting changes for their upcoming game. With their season over, they may give younger players a chance. Despite experienced players like Hales, Warner, and Bancroft, they need to improve their bowling performance after only one wicket in the last match. On the other hand, this has been a forgettable season for the Melbourne Renegades. They are bidding farewell to Aaron Finch and Shaun Marsh, who have made significant contributions to the team and Australian cricket. Marsh, in strong form, will be missed after his final game, having performed well in the campaign. Youngster Jake Fraser-McGurk has also been impressed. The upcoming match is expected to feature a challenging twin-spin attack from Akeal Hosein and Adam Zampa, posing a test for Netherlands keeper Scott Edwards. The weather though has a forecast for rain in this game. Let's hope it stays away and we get a full game of cricket.