In an exhilarating clash between the bottom two teams, the Melbourne Stars secured a nail-biting four-run victory over the Renegades in the second game of the doubleheader. The spotlight shone on skipper Meg Lanning, whose remarkable performance with the bat played a pivotal role in this derby triumph.
Meg Lanning’s Commanding Innings
Meg Lanning showcased her batting skills by carrying her bat through the innings, amassing a formidable 67 runs off 49 balls. Her innings was marked by crucial partnerships that propelled the Stars to a competitive total of 144/5. Apart from Lanning, Annabel Sutherland made a significant contribution, showcasing her skills with a quickfire 24 runs in just 16 balls, including two sixes.
Sutherland’s All-Round Brilliance: Impactful with Both Bat and Ball
Early Strikes by Kim Garth Set the Tone
The Renegades faced early setbacks as Kim Garth struck in the second ball of their chase, disrupting their rhythm. However, the duo of Harmanpreet Kaur (37) and Tammy Beaumont (33) revived the Renegades with a resilient 63-run partnership.
Annabel Sutherland’s Bowling Masterclass
Annabel Sutherland not only shone with the bat but also displayed exceptional skills with the ball. She dismissed both Harmanpreet Kaur and Tammy Beaumont, who were well-settled in their 30s, in quick succession. This crucial breakthrough tilted the game in favor of the Stars.
Spirited Fightback by Renegades: Matthews and Sutherland Duel
Renegades skipper Hayley Matthews injected hope into the chase with a spirited cameo of 32 runs off just 22 balls, featuring four boundaries and a six. However, Annabel Sutherland once again emerged as the game-changer, claiming two wickets in successive balls to dent Renegades’ spirits. Sutherland concluded with impressive figures of 4-22 in her four overs.
Final Verdict: Melbourne Stars Triumph
In a thrilling encounter, Melbourne Stars emerged victorious, defending their total of 144/5 as they restricted the Renegades to 140/6. The dynamic performances of Meg Lanning and Annabel Sutherland proved instrumental in securing the Stars’ win by a narrow margin of four runs.
Brief Scores:
- Melbourne Stars: 144/5 in 20 overs (Meg Lanning 67*, Annabel Sutherland 24; Sarah Coyte 2-32)
- Melbourne Renegades: 140/6 in 20 overs (Harmanpreet Kaur 37, Hayley Matthews 32; Annabel Sutherland 4-22)
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