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In Match 23 of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 2024 at Karen Rolton Oval, Melbourne Renegades registered an impressive nine-wicket victory over Adelaide Strikers, successfully chasing a target of 186 in just 17.1 overs. A commanding performance by Hayley Matthews, who scored 85 off 54 balls, led Renegades to a dominant win and earned her the Player of the Match title.
Adelaide Strikers sets a competitive total of 185/8
Melbourne Renegades won the toss and opted to bowl, a decision that initially seemed challenging as Adelaide Strikers set an imposing total of 185/8. Smriti Mandhana’s brisk 40 off 25 deliveries got the Strikers off to a strong start, laced with seven boundaries. Laura Wolvaardt added 27 off 27 balls, anchoring the innings alongside Mandhana. However, it was captain Tahlia McGrath’s explosive 49 from just 24 deliveries that provided the Strikers with crucial momentum. McGrath struck eight fours and a six, propelling the team past the 180-mark.
Despite a solid start, the Renegades bowlers struggled to contain the Strikers’ batters, with the exception of Hayley Matthews, who was effective in her four-over spell, taking 2/28. Sarah Coyte was economical as well, conceding just 19 runs and picking up a wicket in her three overs. Other bowlers, such as Milly Illingworth and Deandra Dottin, chipped in with a wicket each, while Charis Bekker and Georgia Wareham faced difficulty keeping the run rate in check.
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Hayley Matthews smashes a quickfire half-century for the Renegades
In pursuit of 186, the Renegades’ opening pair, Hayley Matthews and Courtney Webb, crafted a near-perfect chase. Matthews was sensational from the outset, dominating the bowlers with her aggressive stroke play. Her innings featured 12 fours and two sixes, and she never let the required run rate get out of control. Webb played a supportive role, scoring a steady 37 off 29 balls, including six boundaries, and rotated the strike well to keep up the pressure.
After Webb being retired hurt, Deandra Dottin took over with a stunning display of power hitting, smashing 46 off just 18 balls with seven fours and a six. Her blistering strike rate kept the Renegades comfortably on course, and they ultimately completed the chase with 17 balls to spare, finishing at 186/1. Darcie Brown was the sole wicket-taker for the Strikers, finishing with figures of 1/43 from her four overs, while the rest of the bowling attack struggled under the onslaught.
Hayley Matthews wins Player of the match award for her outstanding all-round performance 🥇#women #cricket #HayleyMatthews #WBBL10 #CricketTwitter #WomenCricket pic.twitter.com/LEOwCUYV46
— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) November 11, 2024
This comprehensive victory showcased Melbourne Renegades’ batting prowess, led by Matthews’ all-round performance, as they continue their strong campaign in the WBBL 2024.
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
