The eleventh edition of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) served up another tight contest at the Junction Oval in Melbourne, where the Melbourne Renegades Women clinched their third win from four matches, defeating the Melbourne Stars Women by four wickets. The Renegades won the toss and elected to bowl, and their composed chase handed the Stars their second loss in three games.
Playing her first match of the season after returning from injury, Sophie Molineux produced an impressive all-round performance. She dismissed the dangerous Marizanne Kapp, a crucial breakthrough that derailed the Stars’ momentum, and later contributed a steady 32 off 32 balls with the bat to anchor the chase.
The Stars, batting first, posted a competitive 141/7 in their 20 overs. Rhys McKenna top-scored with a well-paced 32 off 32, while captain Annabel Sutherland struck 29 off 27 (4 fours). Marizanne Kapp kept the innings flowing with a brisk 22 off 14, and Kim Garth added a valuable 29 off 19 in the later overs. But regular wickets prevented the Stars from pushing towards a bigger finish.
The Renegades’ bowling remained disciplined throughout. Charis Bekker claimed 1/25, Molineux delivered 1/37, and Wareham maintained pressure with an economical 1/18. However, the most decisive impact came from Deandra Dottin, whose accuracy and variations earned her 3/20 in 3 overs, breaking partnerships just when the Stars were building rhythm.
Chasing 142, the Renegades started steadily and constructed their innings smartly. Courtney Webb led the response with a crucial 37 off 36, while Molineux’s 32 off 32 held the middle overs together. Georgia Wareham chipped in with a handy 19 off 14, and Deandra Dottin smashed 13 off 6, maintaining the required pace.
Tess Flintoff’s late 17* off 9 proved vital in closing out the chase with control and confidence. Nicole Faltum kept her cool with an unbeaten 7, guiding the Renegades home in 18.5 overs at 145/6, sealing a composed four-wicket win.
For the Stars, Garth (2/16) and Maisy Gibson (2/31) were the standout bowlers, but the Renegades’ depth ensured the target was reeled in without panic.
With this result, the Renegades continue their strong start, securing three wins in four matches, while the Stars face early pressure after slipping to two defeats from three outings. The star performer of the day was Deandra Dottin, whose all-round brilliance (13 runs and 3/20) earned her the Player of the Match award.
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