As the new joinings of the team make their mark, Hobart Hurricanes defeat Melbourne Stars by 20 runs at Melbourne on Saturday.
On winning the toss, the new skipper of Stars Elyse Villani opted to field. The Hurricanes 11 looked completely different and strong compared to the past seasons. Carey, Tayla and Tryon made their debut for Hobart.
Opening the inning, The tall Allrounder Erin Fazackerley continued her aggressive batting from the last season. Stefanie Daffara her partner failed to impress as she was knocked out by Annabel Sutherland for just 7 runs. Fazackerley on the other side was in 5th gear as she scored almost 14 runs in the bowling of Eris Osborne first over.
Heather knight who came in after the dismissal of Daffara got out soon in a mixup for a single on 10. Fazackerley after playing a good inning and who was completely in an aggressive mode got out trying to smash the ball outside the park for 46. The next ball even Nicola Carey was cleaned up by Osborne and it was 2 in 2 for the senior pro. It looked like Hobart will repeat the same mistake as last year.
Then came the surprise as newly signed player Chloe Tryon came to the crease. The big-hitting All-rounder was terrific with the bat as she played a breathtaking inning of 46 * runs in just 18 balls including 5 fours and 3 sixes. She immediately made a mark in WBBL with her big-hitting ability. At the end with good support of Fran Wilson which included a partnership of 63 runs in just 27 balls helped Hobart to set a target of 165 runs in 20 overs.
With the ball, it was Osborne who picked a couple of wickets but was on an expensive side considering 44 runs.
Chasing the target of 165, Stars decided to open with the skipper Villani and Lee. Sadly, it failed as Villani was trapped for 0 with a ripper from Vakerawa.
The next batter Inglis too did not stay at the crease for a long time as again Vakerawa picked up a wicket with a terrific Swinging delivery that knocked away the stumps. Then entered in form batter Du Preez, who started well with three quick boundaries. But her innings did not last long as she got out on 12 with a flighted delivery from Gibson who completely deceived her in the air. The very next ball Kiwis star Katey Martin trying to sweep over short fine leg was caught into the hands of the fielder. This made Stars to struggle at 36 for 4.
Lee tried to stick at the crease with the partner Osborne. Both had a partnership of 32 before Lee was caught at Square leg trying to hit one against the wind. The next over even the keeper Smith was run out which changed the match in favor of Hurricanes completely. The wickets kept falling continuously and Osborne tried her best to save the team and sadly couldn’t as she got out for 40. With her wicket, it was over for stars and they ended their inning at 144.
Hobart Hurricanes have finally begun the season with a win by 20 runs. With the bowl, it was Wakerawa, who cleaned up the top order whereas Maisy Gibson took care of Middle-order with 3 wickets each.
They will be facing each other again tomorrow and Stars will be fighting hard to win without giving up.
Brief Scores: Hurricanes 164 for 5 (Tryon 46 *, Erin 46 & Osborne 2 for 44) defeated Stars 144 for 9 ( Osborne 40 & Gibson 3 for 26 ) by 20 runs.
