In Melbourne Stars Women’s camp, three players will be crucial to their strategy as they face off against their cross-town rivals in Match 13 of Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 2025/26: Meg Lanning, Kim Garth, and Maisy Gibson. Their experience, impact, and diverse skill sets make them the key players for the Stars in this rivalry match.
Meg Lanning
Meg Lanning stands out as one of the most talented players in women’s T20 cricket and is essential for the Stars, opening the batting with authority. With 100 matches under her belt in the WBBL, she has accumulated an impressive 3,331 runs at an average of 39.96 and a strike rate of 121.45, including the highest score of 101. In her last outing against Perth Scorchers, she delivered a remarkable performance, scoring 90* runs off just 55 balls. Her ability to provide a solid start is crucial for the Stars, especially against the formidable bowling attack of the Scorchers. Lanning’s experience in high-pressure situations will be vital as she aims to set the tone for the team’s innings and play a key role in determining the match’s outcome.
Kim Garth
Kim Garth’s international experience and sharp bowling skills are key components of the Stars’ strategy. Over her 86 matches in the WBBL, she has taken 81 wickets with an impressive average of 21.90, boasting her best figures of 3 for 11. Recently, Garth made a significant impact by taking the wickets of Beth Mooney and Lilly Mills, conceding only 16 runs in two overs. Her versatility adds great value to the team: she can contribute with the ball in crucial moments and can stabilise or attack with the bat when needed. In the derby match, her seam bowling, especially during the early overs or in the death overs, could be critical in breaking partnerships or controlling the run rate. If Garth manages to bowl a tight spell, claiming 2-3 wickets or maintaining an economy under 6.5, while also contributing with the bat, she could emerge as the match-winner for the Stars in this important clash.
Maisy Gibson
Maisy Gibson serves as the spin bowling specialist for the Stars, and her record is impressive. She has played in 87 matches, securing 73 wickets with an average of 21.78. With her best bowling figures standing at 4/24, it’s clear she has a knack for taking multiple wickets and putting pressure on batters. In her recent performance against Perth Scorchers, she managed to get a wicket while conceding just 5 runs. Gibson’s leg-spin becomes a potent weapon for the Stars during the middle overs. She can be instrumental in building pressure, taking crucial wickets, or stemming the flow of runs. If she hits her stride and gets her flight right, she could very well turn the match in favour of the Stars by stifling the Renegades’ scoring and dislodging set batters.
With Lanning anchoring the batting, Garth providing a balanced option with both bat and ball, and Gibson offering control through spin, the Stars have a well-rounded trio to depend on as they head into the Match against the Renegades. If these three players bring their A-game, the Stars will certainly be a tough team to overcome.
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