BRISBANE, Australia (CMC) — West Indians Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo played vital roles which lifted Melbourne Renegades to a seven-wicket win over Brisbane Heat in the third match of the Big Bash League here yesterday.

Gayle paved the way for an excellent chase with an exciting knock of 23, while Bravo applied final touches as Renegades surpassed their target with three balls remaining, in response to Heat’s 180 for five.

Gayle’s 23 came from 16 balls with two fours and two sixes, while Bravo hit a four and two sixes in scoring 22 from nine balls in late fireworks that inspired an ideal season opener at the Gabba.

Bravo also picked up a wicket for 30 runs and provided good support to bowlers Chris Tremain, Nathan Rimmington and Xavier Doherty, who all had excellent spells.

Chris Lynn with 35 and Benn Cutting 30 not out were the top scorers for Heat.

However, another West Indian, Lendl Simmons, was among the leading scorers, collecting 29 from 25 balls with two fours and two sixes.

Simmons was bowled by Xavier Doherty just as he was starting to look dangerous.

A powerful second-wicket partnership of 111 between Aron Finch and Cameron White preceded Bravo’s late hitting.

Finch, the Renegades skipper, hit a top score of 65, while White struck 55 as Renegades picked up an important win on the road.