• Naomi Stalenberg nearly dropped Tahlia McGrath's catch in the 23rd of WBBL 2024.

  • Hayley Matthews' blistering 85 powered Melbourne Renegades to a commanding nine-wicket victory over Adelaide Strikers.

WBBL 2024: Naomi Stalenberg takes a sharp catch of Tahlia McGrath, narrowly avoiding a fumble
Naomi Stalenberg almost botched Tahlia McGrath's catch 

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In the 23rd match of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 2024, Naomi Stalenberg‘s swift and agile fielding for Melbourne Renegades stood out as she claimed a challenging catch, dismissing Adelaide Strikers’ captain Tahlia McGrath. The Renegades ultimately triumphed over the Strikers, showcasing dominant performances with both bat and ball.

Naomi Stalenberg nearly missed Tahlia McGrath’s catch

The pivotal moment came in the 17th over of the Strikers’ innings when the Renegades’ all-rounder Deandra Dottin bowled to the explosive McGrath. Attempting to send Dottin’s delivery over square leg for a boundary, McGrath struck the ball fiercely. However, Stalenberg, positioned at square leg, displayed remarkable reflexes. She initially bobbled the catch but recovered quickly, clutching the ball on her second attempt, resulting in McGrath’s dismissal for a quickfire 49 off 24 balls, which included eight fours and one six. This crucial catch broke the Strikers’ momentum and swung the game in favor of the Renegades.

Here is the video:

Dottin’s contribution wasn’t limited to her bowling prowess. After dismissing McGrath with Stalenberg’s assistance, Dottin also made her mark with the bat in the Renegades’ innings. Blazing through the Strikers’ bowling attack, she hammered 46 runs off just 18 balls, hitting seven fours and one six at a phenomenal strike rate of 255.56. Her dynamic performance added crucial runs for the Renegades and ultimately proved decisive in their chase.

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Melbourne Renegades’ commanding chase led by Hayley Matthews

Asked to bat first, the Strikers managed to post a competitive total of 185/8 in their 20 overs. Apart from McGrath’s rapid 49, Indian star Smriti Mandhana also made a significant contribution, scoring a brisk 40 off 25 deliveries, providing a solid foundation for the Strikers.

In response, the Renegades unleashed a masterclass in power-hitting and control. Led by skipper Hayley Matthews, who dominated the Strikers’ bowlers with a sensational 85 off 54 balls, the Renegades cruised to victory. Matthews’ aggressive knock included 12 fours and two sixes, guiding her team to a successful chase in just 17.1 overs with the loss of a single wicket. Her exceptional performance earned her the well-deserved Player of the Match award.

Also READ: Top 5 highest individual scores in WBBL history ft. Lizelle Lee

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

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About the Author:
SIDDHARTHA SAWLANI
Siddhartha is a Content Strategist at Cricket Times, holding a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. His passion for cricket was ignited by India’s triumph in the 2011 World Cup. Alongside his dedication to cricket, Siddhartha is an accomplished state-level table tennis player. With a longstanding ambition to become a sports journalist, he brings both academic expertise and a deep enthusiasm for the sport to his role. His admiration for AB de Villiers underscores his commitment to excellence in cricket journalism. You can write to him at siddhartha@crickettimes.com and follow him on Linkedin.