Women's Big Bash League 2024Australia Cricket NewsAustralian Women Cricket NewsCricket NewsInternational MatchesMatch HighlightsMatch PreviewsMelbourne RenegadesMelbourne StarsT20T20 Cricket NewsT20 LeaguesWomen's Big Bash LeagueWomen's CricketWomen's Cricket NewsWomen’s Cricket
Melbourne Renegades Dominate Melbourne Stars to Secure Derby Win
The Melbourne Renegades secured a confident 15-run win against Melbourne Stars in the Melbourne derby at Junction Oval, led by standout contributions from Alice Capsey (33 runs and 1/27), Naomi Stalenberg (26*), and Nicole Faltum (29). Despite challenging batting conditions, the Renegades capitalized on their opportunities, setting a competitive target of 146. Melbourne Stars, in response, struggled to gain momentum and eventually succumbed to pressure from a disciplined Renegades bowling unit.
Capsey’s Explosive Start Sets Up Competitive Total
After being put in to bat on a tricky surface, the Renegades aimed to make the most of their innings with a strong start from Capsey. Her rapid 33 off just 15 balls during the power surge gave the Renegades a crucial boost. Following Deandra Dottin’s dismissal after hitting a six, Capsey took full advantage, dispatching multiple boundaries to all parts of the ground. Although the Stars momentarily halted the scoring by claiming the wickets of Capsey and Georgia Wareham, the Renegades were firmly on track for a 150-run target.
Stalenberg and Faltum ensured the Renegades didn’t lose momentum, combining for a quickfire 55-run partnership off 36 balls, which added valuable runs toward the end of the innings. Their precise shot selection and clever use of the field placed Melbourne Stars under pressure. By the partnership’s end, the Renegades had laid down a substantial total.
Stars Struggle to Maintain Chase Momentum
Chasing 146, the Stars needed a strong start, but key batters struggled to find their rhythm. Yastika Bhatia’s cautious 22 off 26 balls hindered the Stars’ chase, leaving them unable to generate the necessary run rate. Meg Lanning, while showing some aggression, managed 22 runs from 21 balls but couldn’t keep up with the mounting pressure from the Renegades’ tight bowling.
While Marizanne Kapp made a valiant effort with an 8-ball cameo of 16 runs and Deepti Sharma found the boundary three times, their efforts only narrowed the margin of defeat. Charis Bekker’s disciplined bowling further stifled the Stars, with her exceptional figures of 1/9 from four overs making a significant impact in limiting their scoring.
Ultimately, the Stars’ chase faltered under a lack of momentum and regular breakthroughs from the Renegades’ bowlers. The Renegades secured the derby victory through a robust all-round performance, putting them in a strong position in the league.
Brief Scores: Melbourne Renegades 146/6 in 20 overs (Alice Capsey 33, Nicole Faltum 29; Marizanne Kapp 2/22) defeated Melbourne Stars 131/9 in 20 overs (Deepti Sharma 23, Meg Lanning 22; Charis Bekker 1/9) by 15 runs.
