The Melbourne Renegades clinched their first-ever Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) title on Sunday, defeating Brisbane Heat by seven runs in a rain-affected final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. An all-round masterclass by Hayley Matthews proved decisive in securing the Renegades’ historic victory.
After being sent in to bat, the Renegades posted 141/9 in their 20 overs. Matthews, the star of the innings, smashed 69 runs off 61 balls, including eight boundaries. Contributions from Georgia Wareham (21 off 21 balls) and Naomi Stalenberg (16 off 12 balls) helped bolster the total, despite Brisbane’s disciplined bowling attack led by Charli Knott, who claimed 3/28. Grace Parsons took two wickets, while Nicola Hancock, Lucy Hamilton, and Jess Jonassen chipped in with one each.
Rain disrupted play, and the match was shortened to 12 overs for the second innings, with Brisbane’s target revised to 98 runs under the DLS method.
Brisbane’s chase was anchored by skipper Jess Jonassen, who struck a quickfire 44 off 28 balls, featuring five fours and a six at a strike rate of 157.14. However, Matthews continued to dominate with the ball, taking 2/24 in her three overs. Charis Bekker, Milly Illingworth, Sophie Molineux, and Deandra Dottin each grabbed a wicket, ensuring the Heat’s batting lineup couldn’t gain momentum. Brisbane fell short at 90/6, handing the Renegades a thrilling seven-run victory.
Hayley Matthews was named Player of the Match for her brilliant all-round performance, which included her match-winning knock and crucial wickets.
Brief Scores:
- Melbourne Renegades 141/9 (Hayley Matthews 69, Georgia Wareham 21; Charli Knott 3/28)
- Brisbane Heat 90/6 (Jess Jonassen 44, Georgia Redmayne 16; Hayley Matthews 2/24)