• Melbourne Stars registered a comprehensive win against Hobart Hurricanes in WBBL 2024.

  • Yastika Bhatia starred with the bat for Melbourne Stars.

WBBL 2024: Yastika Bhatia shines in Melbourne Stars’ victory over Hobart Hurricanes
Yastika Bhatia shines in Melbourne Stars' victory over Hobart Hurricanes

In an engaging Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 2024 clash at Junction Oval, Melbourne Stars secured a commanding victory over Hobart Hurricanes on Sunday, November 3.

Melbourne Stars restricts Hobart Hurricanes for 133/7

After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, Hobart Hurricanes got off to a shaky start as their openers, Lizelle Lee and Danielle Wyatt, fell early, each contributing only 4 runs. Nicola Carey then anchored the innings, scoring a resilient 44 off 43 balls, including two fours and a six. She was supported by Chloe Tryon, who contributed a valuable 35 off 33 balls, showcasing her power with a six and a boundary. However, the Hurricanes struggled to build substantial partnerships and finished at 133/7 in their 20 overs, a score that appeared subpar on a favorable batting surface.

Melbourne Stars’ bowlers put on an impressive show, with Marizanne Kapp and Kim Garth leading the attack. Kapp picked up 2 wickets for 28 runs in her full quota of 4 overs, displaying her experience with precision bowling. Garth also claimed 2 wickets, conceding just 21 runs in her 3 overs, effectively stifling the Hurricanes’ run flow. Tess Flintoff, Deepti Sharma and Sophie Day each took a wicket, adding to the Hurricanes’ struggles. Although Annabel Sutherland remained wicketless, she bowled a tight spell, conceding only 20 runs in her 4 overs.

Also READ: WBBL 2024 – Hayley Matthews leads Melbourne Renegades to a dominant victory over Perth Scorchers

Yastika Bhatia hits a match-winning half-century for the Stars

Chasing 134 for victory, the Stars’ innings began with an assertive knock from opener Yastika Bhatia, who laid a strong foundation with her 57 off 46 balls. She struck seven fours and a six, making the target appear within easy reach. Ines Mckeon, her opening partner, was dismissed early for 6, but Bhatia continued to build momentum alongside Meg Lanning, who contributed a swift 27 off 21 balls, finding the boundary four times.

Following Lanning’s dismissal, skipper Sutherland and Kapp took charge, guiding the Stars towards the target. Sutherland played a well-paced knock of 26 off 20 balls, while Kapp’s unbeaten 15 off 11, featuring two boundaries, ensured that Melbourne Stars cruised to victory with 13 balls to spare and 7 wickets remaining.

Heather Graham was the pick of the Hurricanes’ bowlers, claiming 2 wickets for 30 runs in her 4 overs, while arey managed a wicket as well, but the Hurricanes’ bowling lacked penetration to halt the Stars’ charge.

For her remarkable half-century, Yastika Bhatia was named Player of the Match.

Also READ: WBBL 2024 – Squads, Broadcast and Live Streaming details | When & Where to Watch in India, Australia, US, UK, Canada & other countries

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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