Junction Oval witnessed a clinical all-round performance from the Melbourne Renegades Women as they defeated the Sydney Sixers Women by six wickets in the 36th match of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 2025. Opting to bowl first, the Renegades controlled the contest from the start and chased down the 131-run target with 22 balls to spare, thanks to a match-winning knock from Georgia Wareham.
Georgia Wareham sizzles as Sydney Sixers stutter to 130/9
Sydney Sixers struggled to build momentum after being put in to bat. While star all-rounder Ellyse Perry stood tall with a superb 65 off 47 deliveries—striking nine fours and a six—the rest of the batting unit failed to offer substantial support. Alyssa Healy’s early dismissal for a six-ball duck put immediate pressure on the visitors, and wickets continued to fall at regular intervals.
Sophia Dunkley (9), Ashleigh Gardner (16), and Maitlan Brown (8) all got starts but couldn’t convert them into meaningful contributions. A late cameo from Caoimhe Bray (8 off 5) helped the Sixers inch to 130/9, a total far below par on a good batting surface.
The Renegades’ bowlers executed their plans brilliantly. Wareham was exceptional with the ball, finishing with figures of 3 for 21, consistently troubling the Sixers in the middle overs. Alice Capsey chipped in with 2 for 27, while skipper Sophie Molineux, Deandra Dottin, and Milly Illingworth each claimed a wicket to keep the Sixers in check.
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Melbourne Renegades recover from shaky start to dominate chase
The run chase didn’t begin smoothly for Melbourne, as they lost Nicole Faltum and Molineux early. Davina Perrin anchored the innings with a steady 28 off 27 deliveries, ensuring the scoreboard kept moving despite the early setbacks. Capsey added 10 off 15, holding the innings together during a tricky phase.
The turning point came when Wareham walked out to bat. Displaying supreme confidence and timing, the all-rounder smashed 49 off just 29 balls, including five boundaries and two sixes. She stitched a crucial partnership with Courtney Webb, who played an equally impactful knock of 33 from 21 deliveries. Their aggressive approach dismantled the Sixers’ bowling rhythm and ensured that the chase remained comfortably ahead of the required rate.
Despite Maitlan Brown’s efforts with the ball—claiming 2 for 45—the Sixers could not find breakthroughs at key moments. Caoimhe Bray impressed with 1 for 11 in her two overs, but the Renegades’ middle order proved too strong as they wrapped up the chase in 16.2 overs. Wareham’s all-round brilliance—taking three wickets and then delivering a match-winning knock—rightfully earned her the Player of the Match award.
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
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