ST-W vs MR-W (37th Match) – Highlights
In this article, we will discuss the thrilling 37th match of the Women’s Big Bash League, where MR-W showcased a commanding performance to defeat ST-W by 9 wickets. Held in Melbourne on November 23, 2024, this encounter highlighted the Renegades’ clinical bowling effort and their top-order batting brilliance as they chased down the target.
Batting first, Sydney Thunder posted 133 runs, struggling to build partnerships. The Renegades’ bowlers delivered a disciplined performance, restricting the Thunder to a below-par total. In reply, the Renegades chased the target effortlessly, with their top order shining. They reached 137/1 in just 14.2 overs, ensuring a comfortable win and earning crucial points in the tournament.
ST-W struggled to build momentum in their innings, managing to post just 133 runs in 19.1 overs after being put into bat. Georgia Voll and Chamari Athapaththu got the team off to a quick start with a partnership of 14 runs, but both were dismissed cheaply, with Voll falling for 11 and Athapaththu for 11 as well.
Phoebe Litchfield, the captain, top-scored with 30 off 17 balls, displaying some aggressive intent, but she fell to a brilliant catch off Georgia Wareham’s bowling. Tahlia Wilson and Georgia Adams tried to stabilize the innings with 27 and 11 runs respectively, but wickets continued to fall at regular intervals.
Sophie Molineux and Deandra Dottin were the standout bowlers for Melbourne Renegades, claiming key wickets. Molineux finished with 4 wickets for 23 runs, while Dottin supported well with 2 wickets for 24 runs. Despite a few late cameos from Anika Learoyd (9), Sammy-Jo Johnson (21), and Shabnim Ismail (3), Sydney Thunder Women were bowled out for 133 runs in just 19.1 overs, well short of the required target.
The Renegades’ bowlers maintained tight lines, with Milly Illingworth and Georgia Wareham also contributing with a wicket each, helping to restrict the Thunder to a modest total.
MR-W successfully chased down the target of 134 runs with ease, reaching 137/1 in just 14.2 overs, winning by 9 wickets with 34 balls to spare. The chase was anchored by an outstanding performance from Hayley Matthews, who remained not out on 60 from 37 balls, striking 7 fours and 2 sixes at a blistering strike rate of 162.16. Her aggressive approach at the crease was key to the Renegades’ dominant run chase.
Courtney Webb provided solid support at the beginning, scoring 24 off 20 balls before being dismissed stumped off Samantha Bates’ bowling, with the score at 42/1. Sophie Molineux, the captain, took over from there and added an unbeaten 42 runs from 29 balls, including 7 boundaries and 1 six, to see the team home in quick time.
Sydney Thunder Women’s bowlers struggled to make an impact, with Shabnim Ismail being the most expensive, conceding 34 runs in 3 overs. Samantha Bates and Chamari Athapaththu also went for runs, while Taneale Peschel, Georgia Adams, and Hannah Darlington couldn’t break the partnership. With a strong, composed chase, the Renegades comfortably sealed the victory and wrapped up the match in just 14.2 overs.
Sydney Thunder Women vs Melbourne Renegades Women Scoreboard
Sydney Thunder Women – 133 (20)
Melbourne Renegades Women – 137/1 (14.2/20)
Result – Renegades won by 9 wickets (with 34 balls remaining)
Player of the Match – Sophie Molineux
ST-W vs MR-W Playing Eleven
Sydney Thunder Women
Georgia Voll, Chamari Athapaththu, Phoebe Litchfield(C), Tahlia Wilson(WK), Georgia Adams, Anika Learoyd, Sammy-Jo Johnson, Hannah Darlington, Taneale Peschel, Shabnim Ismail, and Samantha Bates.
Melbourne Renegades Women
Courtney Webb, Hayley Matthews, Sophie Molineux(C), Deandra Dottin, Georgia Wareham, Naomi Stalenberg, Nicole Faltum(WK), Grace Scrivens, Georgia Prestwidge, Sarah Coyte, and Milly Illingworth.
Disclaimer: This Highlight is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.