Playing XI of Hobart Hurricanes – Smriti Mandhana, Erin Fazackerley, Hayley Matthews, Heather Knight, Stefanie Daffara, Corinne Hall, Georgia Redmayne (wk), Sasha Moloney (c), Veronica Pyke, Meg Phillips, Brooke Hepburn
Playing XI of Melbourne Stars – Lizelle Lee (wk), Angela Reakes, Katie Mack, Erin Osborne (c), Mignon du Preez, Georgia Elwiss, Annabel Sutherland, Alana King, Makinley Blows, Nicola Hancock, Holly Ferling
Toss – Won by Melbourne Stars Women and elected to field first
1st Innings Summary – Hobart Hurricanes suffered two big blows in the first two overs of their batting innings as India’s star hitter Smriti Mandhana got out for a duck and opener Erin Fazackerley also departed early. Soon to follow was Hayley Matthews who was looking in good touch but could not capitalise on the opportunity and got out in fifth over. While Hobart Hurricanes’ scoreboard read 48-4 at the end of seventh over, Heather Knight was settling down quickly and together with Corinne Hall was able to accelerate the run rate without losing another wicket. Knight remained not out by scoring 82 runs off 55 balls which included nine 4s and three 6s.
2nd Innings Summary – Melbourne Stars made a disastrous start and the scoreboard read 23-4 at the end of sixth over. The top order failed miserably and it looked that Hobart Hurricanes would be able to defend the modest total with quite an ease. But just then, middle order came to the team’s rescue and captain Erin Osborne along with Mignon du Preez not only played sensibly but also keep the scoreboard moving just around the required run rate. Although, the skipper fell in the 19th over but the job was done till that time as the team reached the target with one ball to spare.
Player of the match – Erin Osborne for her 67 run innings which included four 4s and one 6. She not only led the team from front and delivered under pressure but also spoiled the party for Heather Knight as her brilliant knock went in vain.
Brief scorecard:
Hobart Hurricanes Women – 158/6 (20 overs)
Melbourne Stars Women – 159/5 (19.5 overs)
Result – Melbourne Stars Women won by 5 wickets
‘Gully’ cricket player and close observer of Indian Cricket team and it’s matches. Straight forward and still socially admirable personality. Strong belief in teamwork and possess high leadership skills.
