AS-W vs MR-W (13th Match) – Highlights
In this article, we will discuss the exciting clash between AS-W and MR-W in the Women’s Big Bash League 2024. The match, held in Melbourne, saw the Renegades pull off a last-ball victory, winning by 2 wickets. Adelaide Strikers set a challenging target of 158 with steady batting contributions, but the Renegades, despite losing wickets regularly, chased down the total in a thrilling finish. We’ll break down key performances, pivotal moments, and how the Renegades’ resilience led them to a memorable victory.
In the 13th match of the Women’s Big Bash League 2024, Melbourne Renegades Women clinched a thrilling victory over Adelaide Strikers Women by 2 wickets off the final ball. Batting first, the Strikers posted a solid total of 157/5, with consistent contributions across the lineup. Chasing 158, the Renegades faced pressure but managed to hold their nerve, reaching 158/8 in 20 overs. Key late-order hitting and composure in the final moments helped them secure the win with no balls to spare in a tense finish.
The AS-W set a competitive total of 157/5 in their 20 overs, thanks to a captain’s knock from Tahlia McGrath, who remained unbeaten on 64 from 44 balls. The Strikers had a steady start, with Katie Mack scoring a quick 23 off 21 balls, hitting four boundaries before being caught and bowled by Sophie Molineux.
Laura Wolvaardt struggled to find rhythm, managing just 9 off 14 deliveries before falling to Georgia Wareham, leaving the Strikers at 55/2.
McGrath led the innings with a powerful 145.45 strike rate, supported by Orla Prendergast, who scored a valuable 31 off 26 balls with two fours and a six. Late in the innings, Ellie Johnston added quick runs, scoring 15 off just 8 balls before being run out on the final delivery.
The Renegades’ bowlers had mixed success: Molineux was the standout, claiming 2 wickets for 39 runs in her four overs, while Wareham’s economical spell of 1/13 in four overs helped restrict the Strikers. Despite some loose bowling from Deandra Dottin, who conceded 33 in her three overs, Adelaide posted a competitive total with a run rate of 7.85.
The MR-W chased down the target of 158 with a thrilling finish, winning by two wickets off the last ball. Their chase started poorly, losing star opener Hayley Matthews for a duck on the first ball. Alice Capsey and Courtney Webb provided some quick runs, but the team soon found themselves at 52/5 by the 8th over, struggling to build partnerships.
Captain Sophie Molineux played a brilliant counter-attacking knock, scoring 64 off 32 balls with nine fours and three sixes, injecting momentum into the innings and bringing the Renegades back into contention.
Molineux was supported briefly by Deandra Dottin, who made 20 from 21 balls, helping to stabilize the innings during their 79-run stand. After Molineux fell at 131 in the 17th over, it seemed the Strikers had regained control.
However, Nicole Faltum and Sarah Coyte held their nerve, adding crucial runs to take the game to the final ball. Renegades reached 158/8, edging past the Strikers’ total with a steady run rate of 7.90. For the Strikers, Darcie Brown was the pick of the bowlers with 2/20 from her four overs, while Jemma Barsby’s 2/17 kept the pressure on in the middle overs, though it wasn’t enough to prevent the Renegades from clinching a last-ball victory.
Adelaide Strikers Women vs Melbourne Renegades Women Scoreboard
Adelaide Strikers Women– 157/5 (20)
Melbourne Renegades Women – 158/8 (20/20)
Result – Renegades won by 2 wickets (with 0 balls remaining)
Player of the Match – Sophie Molineux
AS-W vs MR-W Playing XI
Adelaide Strikers Women
Katie Mack, Laura Wolvaardt, Tahlia McGrath (C), Madeline Penna, Orla Prendergast, Ellie Johnston (WK), Amanda-Jade Wellington, Jemma Barsby, Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown, Anesu Mushangwe
Melbourne Renegades Women
Hayley Matthews, Courtney Webb, Alice Capsey, Emma de Broughe, Georgia Wareham (WK), Deandra Dottin, Sophie Molineux (C), Naomi Stalenberg, Nicole Faltum, Sarah Coyte, Tara Norris