The fourth match of the Women’s Big Bash League 2025 between the Melbourne Stars Women and the Adelaide Strikers Women promised a thrilling contest at the Junction Oval in Melbourne on November 10, but persistent rain ultimately forced the game to end without a result. Before the interruption, the Stars produced an impressive all-round effort, highlighted by a superb half-century from Meg Lanning (60 off 41) and a fluent knock from skipper Annabel Sutherland (54* off 39).
Forced to bat first, the Stars made full use of favourable batting conditions. Lanning was at her elegant best, crafting a commanding 60 off 41 balls, laced with nine fours and a six. She controlled the innings beautifully, rotating strike with ease and punishing anything loose. Rhys McKenna chipped in with a brisk 16 off 13, while Amy Jones added a quick 13 off 9, keeping the scoreboard moving at a rapid pace.
Sutherland anchored the second half of the batting innings with great authority. Her unbeaten 54 off 39 showcased timing, placement and maturity as she struck seven boundaries and a six. Danielle Gibson’s explosive cameo — 31 off just 15 balls at a strike rate of 206.66, gave the Stars the perfect finishing burst. Their strong batting effort powered them to an imposing 184/5 in 20 overs.
The Strikers’ bowlers had a tough outing, but Amanda-Jade Wellington stood out with her tidy 2/20, while Sophie Ecclestone (1/35) and Darcie Brown (1/33) picked up a wicket each. Despite regular breakthroughs, the Stars’ relentless scoring ensured a daunting target of 185.
In response, the Strikers began cautiously but steadily. Laura Wolvaardt remained unbeaten on 10 off 12, while Madeline Penna injected momentum with a bright 22 off 12, striking three fours and a six. Marizanne Kapp struck the early blow, removing Tammy Beaumont in the first over, but the Strikers rebuilt quickly to reach 32/1 in 4.2 overs.
Just as the chase was beginning to take shape, rain swept across the ground, halting play. Despite repeated inspections and brief clearing spells, conditions did not improve enough for a resumption, and the match was eventually declared a no result.
For the Stars, Lanning’s sparkling return and Sutherland’s composed half-century were major positives, while the Strikers will take heart from their positive start with the bat. Though the weather had the final say, both teams left the field with encouraging signs as the WBBL season continued to unfold.
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