Cricket Highlights, Nov 15: Women’s Big Bash League (28th Match) – Melbourne Renegades Women vs Melbourne Stars Women

MR-W vs MS-W (28th Match) – Highlights

In this article, we will discuss the exciting 28th match of the Women’s Big Bash League 2024, where the MR-W faced off against the MS-W in a high-stakes Melbourne derby on November 15, 2024. The Renegades set a challenging target of 171 runs and held their nerve in a tense finish to secure a 9-run victory. The match showcased brilliant performances from both teams, with standout batting and disciplined bowling making it a memorable contest. Let’s delve into the key highlights and moments that defined this thrilling encounter.

The Melbourne Renegades Women set a competitive target of 170/6 in their 20 overs, thanks to a stellar performance from Nicole Faltum and a late flourish by Georgia Prestwidge. The innings began poorly, with the team losing three wickets inside the first four overs. 

Ella Hayward fell for a duck, while Alice Capsey managed only 8, and captain Hayley Matthews was dismissed for 11, leaving the Renegades reeling at 30/3. Naomi Stalenberg (11) and Georgia Wareham (34 off 32) tried to stabilize the innings, with Wareham hitting three boundaries and a six during her stay. However, the Renegades continued to lose wickets at regular intervals.

Nicole Faltum then took charge, playing a match-defining knock of 66* off 42 balls. Her innings included seven fours and a six, showcasing both resilience and aggression. She found an able partner in Georgia Prestwidge, who smashed an unbeaten 23 off just 9 balls, featuring three fours and a six, to provide a powerful finish to the innings. 

Among the bowlers, Marizanne Kapp (1/21) and Sophie Day (1/22) were economical and effective, while Kim Garth picked up 2/32. Despite their efforts, the Renegades’ late-order heroics ensured a challenging total for the Melbourne Stars.

The MS-W were tasked with chasing a target of 171 runs, but they fell short, ending their innings at 161/8 in 20 overs. The chase got off to a rocky start, with Yastika Bhatia (11) falling early to Charis Bekker and Ines McKeon (2) dismissed by Georgia Wareham. Meg Lanning (14) briefly threatened but was caught off Hayley Matthews, leaving the Stars at 30/3. Annabel Sutherland (21) and Marizanne Kapp (32) attempted a recovery, but both were dismissed within the next few overs, Sutherland by Deandra Dottin and Kapp by Dottin as well, leaving the Stars at 94/6.

Deepti Sharma (15) and Rhys McKenna (34) showed some fight, but the required rate climbed steeply. McKenna’s blistering knock off 18 balls, including four fours and one six, was the highlight, though it came too late in the innings. 

Tess Flintoff (19) also contributed, but wickets continued to fall, and the Stars were ultimately restricted to 161/8. The Stars were unable to find the final big partnership needed for the win, despite some late resistance. The MR-W bowlers, particularly Hayley Matthews (2/27) and Deandra Dottin (2/32), were key in stifling the Stars’ chase.

Melbourne Renegades Women vs Melbourne Stars Women Scoreboard

Melbourne Renegades Women– 170/6 (20)

Melbourne Stars Women– 161/8 (20/20)

Result – Melbourne Renegades won by 9 runs

Player of the Match – Nicole Faltum

MR-W vs MS-W Playing XI

Melbourne Renegades Women

Hayley Matthews(C), Ella Hayward, Alice Capsey, Naomi Stalenberg, Georgia Wareham, Deandra Dottin, Nicole Faltum(WK), Georgia Prestwidge, Sarah Coyte, Milly Illingworth, Charis Bekker

Melbourne Stars Women

Yastika Bhatia(WK), Ines Mckeon, Meg Lanning, Annabel Sutherland(C), Marizanne Kapp, Deepti Sharma, Rhys McKenna, Tess Flintoff, Kim Garth, Maisy Gibson, Sophie Day

Disclaimer: This Highlights is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.

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