The sixth match of the seventh edition of Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) was played between Melbourne Stars and Hobart Hurricanes at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart on Tuesday. Melbourne Stars won the toss and elected to bowl first.
1st innings Hobart Hurricanes 152-4 in 20 overs
Batting first, Hobart Hurricanes plundered 152-4 in 20 overs, thanks to opening bat Rachael Priest’s stellar innings of 107 not out off just 68 balls. The New Zealander smashed 10 boundaries and seven sixes to tear apart Melbourne Stars’ bowling attack. Apart from Priest, Nicola Carey (14) and Naomi Stalenberg (17 not out) made some useful contributions lower down the order. For Melbourne Stars, Annabel Sutherland was the pick of the bowlers as she picked up 2-22 in her four overs, including one maiden over, which was the only one in the entire match.
CENTURY! 💯
Rachel Priest becomes first player to score a CENTURY in WBBL07 👏🔥 #WBBL2021 #WBBL07
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) October 19, 2021
2nd innings Melbourne Stars 89 all out in 19.2 overs
In reply, Melbourne Stars could only manage to score 89 as they were all out in 19.2 overs. They lost the match by 63 runs. Skipper Meg Lanning top scored with 25 runs off 28 balls, including three boundaries. Apart from Lanning, Maia Bouchier (10), Kimberley Garth (13), and Linsey Smith (12) were the other contributors with the bat. For Hobart Hurricanes, it was Ruth Johnston, who wrecked havoc as she scalped 4-8 in her 3.2 overs. The right-arm seamer bowled some good lines and lengths to keep the Melbourne Stars’ batters at bay. She received good support from Carey, Tayla Vlaeminck and Amy Smith, who chipped in two, one, and one wickets respectively.
Player of the Match
Hobart Hurricanes’ wicket-keeper, captain and opening bat Rachael Priest won the player of the match award for her stellar performance with the bat (107 not out off 68 balls, 4s: 10 and 6s: 7).
Next fixtures
Melbourne Stars will play against Sydney Sixers on October 20 at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart, while Hobart Hurricanes will lock horns against Adelaide Strikers on October 23 at the Invermay Park in Launceston.
Brief Score
Hobart Hurricanes 152-4 in 20 overs (R Priest 107 not out; A Sutherland 2-22) beat Melbourne Stars 89 all out in 19.2 overs (M Lanning 25; R Johnston 4-8) by 63 runs
I am a former cricketer having represented Mumbai University at All India University level. I was a part of MCA probables for the U-19 and U-23 age group. I have been an avid cricket writer for the last five years. Currently I am pursuing my Ph.D from IIT Bombay.