Sophie Molineux’s blistering half-century and Nicole Faltum’s cool head have lifted the Melbourne Renegades to an exciting two-wicket WBBL win over Adelaide.
Tahlia McGrath (64 not out off 44 balls) guided the Strikers to 5-157 batting first within the second sport of a double-header at Junction Oval on Sunday.
And the reigning champions regarded probably winners once they diminished the hosts to 3-29 of their run chase on the finish of the ability play.
However Renegades captain Molineux launched a shocking response, blasting the equal third-fastest 50 in WBBL historical past from simply 21 balls on her solution to 64 off 32 deliveries.
Molineux’s entertaining knock included 9 fours and three sixes earlier than she was bowled by Jemma Barsby.
It was the equal fourth-biggest particular person innings by any batter thus far this season, degree with opposing skipper McGrath.
There was nonetheless work for the Renegades to do and the competition went all the way down to the wire, with Faltum (11 not out) hitting the successful runs off the ultimate ball of the innings.
Faltum and Sarah Coyte (4 not out) guided the Renegades to 8-158, taking the required six runs off the ultimate over by Aneshu Mushangwe (1-37 from three overs).
“It was a sport that simply saved going up and down, and Tahlia (McGrath) batted rather well,” Molineux advised Fox Sports activities after the match.
“She made it look simple in direction of the again finish there, so we have been fairly assured coming off the bottom it could be laborious work at first, however in case you received via that we may catch up.
“It was simply a type of days and if you’ve received a batting order like ours I knew that you’ve folks coming in after you that may get the job performed, which is nice.”
Georgia Wareham was the Renegades’ greatest bowler, taking 1-13 from 4 overs, with Molineux (2-39 from 4 overs) claiming a number of wickets.
The Renegades misplaced their opening two matches however have now levelled their season at 2-2, whereas the Strikers are struggling at 1-3 of their bid for a hat-trick of titles.
Stars make brief work of Hurricanes goal
Yastika Bhatia (R) and Meg Lanning (L) contributed 84 of Melbourne Stars’ complete of 3-136 because the workforce simply chased down victory in opposition to Hobart Hurricanes.
Within the first match of Sunday’s double-header, Indian opener Yastika Bhatia powered the Melbourne Stars to a complete seven-wicket win over Hobart.
Nicola Carey (44 off 43) and Chloe Tryon (35 off 33) steered the Hurricanes to 7-133 batting first.
However the Stars have been all the time on prime of their run-chase, reaching their goal comfortably with 13 balls to spare.
Bhatia top-scored with 57 from 46 balls in a tally of 3-136 for the hosts, the left-handed wicketkeeper-batter putting seven fours and one six in an outstanding knock.
Meg Lanning (27 off 21) and captain Annabel Sutherland (26 not out off 20) additionally performed vital roles with the bat.
“Meg actually helped me after I was within the center within the (energy) surge,” Bhatia advised Fox Sports activities.
“She advised me precisely what the bowlers have been going to bowl, so it helped me out within the center.
“Additionally, my household is right here, so it is a particular second for me.”
Heather Graham (2-30 off 4 overs) eliminated each Stars openers, and Carey (1-29, 4 overs) claimed the important thing wicket of Lanning.
Stars bowlers Marizanne Kapp (2-28, 4 overs) and Kim Garth (2-21, three overs) helped put the clamps on Hobart.
Indian off-spinner Deepti Sharma took 1-27 from 4 overs in her first Stars look.
The Stars improved their season file to 2-1 with Sunday’s win, whereas Hobart are again to 2-2.
AAP
