In the 13th match of the Women’s Big Bash League 2024 (WBBL) at Junction Oval, Melbourne Renegades clinched a thrilling last-ball victory over Adelaide Strikers by two wickets, with skipper Sophie Molineux delivering a standout all-round performance to guide her side home.

Adelaide Strikers sets a challenging target

Batting first, Strikers posted a competitive total of 157 with the loss of 5 wickets in their 20 overs, led by a sparkling knock from captain Tahlia McGrath. McGrath was in sublime touch, scoring 64 off 44 balls, decorated with eight fours and one six. She anchored the innings effectively, pacing her knock well to keep the scoreboard ticking despite losing partners at the other end. Contributions from other batters were modest, with the Renegades’ bowlers keeping things in check.

Molineux was the pick of the bowlers for the Renegades, leading from the front with her controlled spin. She claimed two crucial wickets in her four-over spell, helping to limit the Strikers to a target that seemed attainable on a good batting pitch. Molineux’s efforts with the ball provided a solid platform for what would be an exhilarating chase.

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Sophie Molineux’s heroics seal the game for the Melbourne Renegades

In pursuit of 158, the Renegades’ innings had its fair share of stumbles, with the Strikers’ bowlers, particularly Darcie Brown, keeping them in check. Brown bowled with pace and accuracy, picking up two wickets and conceding just 20 runs in her four-over spell, effectively putting pressure on the Renegades during the middle overs.

However, Molineux’s explosive batting stole the show. Walking in at a crucial moment, Molineux hammered 64 off only 32 balls, including nine fours and three towering sixes, to keep the Renegades in the hunt. Her aggressive intent allowed the Renegades to stay within reach of the target, even as wickets fell around her. As the equation tightened, Molineux’s poise and power proved invaluable, steering her team close to victory.

Molineux’s all-round brilliance

Molineux’s all-round brilliance earned her the well-deserved Player of the Match award, as her captaincy and match-winning performance with both bat and ball were instrumental in the Renegades’ triumph.

With this win, Melbourne Renegades have now secured back-to-back victories, moving up to fourth place on the points table with four points. Meanwhile, the Adelaide Strikers, with only two points so far, find themselves at the bottom of the standings, needing to regroup quickly to turn their campaign around.

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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