The eleventh edition of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) produced a one-sided but consequential contest at Drummoyne Oval in Sydney, where Melbourne Renegades Women secured their fourth win in six matches, tightening their grip on the mid-table race, while Sydney Thunder Women slipped to their fourth loss in six outings after another batting collapse.
Sent in to bat on a surface that demanded application, the Thunder never found momentum and folded for 64 in 17 overs, their lowest of the season. Georgia Voll began with intent before falling for 9 off 7, and Tahlia Wilson managed only 2.
Phoebe Litchfield struck a crisp 5 off 4 but fell soon after, and from 14/2 the innings spiraled quickly. Heather Knight’s 20 off 24 — the only innings of substance — attempted to anchor the side, but wickets kept tumbling around her. Anika Learoyd contributed 13 off 17, yet the Renegades’ spinners and change-ups dismantled the middle order.
The collapse was shaped by a disciplined Renegades attack. Georgia Wareham’s 3 for 12 from 4 overs choked the scoring, while Charis Bekker (2 for 14), Alice Capsey (2 for 12), and Sophie Molineux (1 for 8) struck at key moments. Issy Wong (1 for 5) and Milly Illingworth (1 for 13) ensured that no partnership developed, sealing a clinical bowling display that kept the Thunder to an under-par score.
The chase of 65 was straightforward despite early stutters. Emma de Broughe fell for 8 and Courtney Webb for 4, leaving the Renegades at 31/2, but the reply was then stabilized and dominated by their two in-form all-rounders.
Captain Sophie Molineux crafted a fluent 29 off 22, striking four boundaries and one six and maintaining full control of the innings, while Alice Capsey finished the job with an authoritative 24 off 20, ensuring the Renegades crossed the line with 68/2 in 11.1 overs.
From the Thunder’s bowling, only Shabnim Ismail (1 for 11) and Em Arlott (1 for 6) were among the wicket takers. Capsey’s calm, assured finishing effort — paired with her economical overs earlier in the day — earned her the Player of the Match award, capping off a commanding team performance.
In the end, the Renegades cruised to an eight-wicket victory, extending their strong start to the campaign with a fourth win from six games, while the Thunder were left searching for answers after yet another batting failure — their fourth defeat in the same span.
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