Melbourne Stars launched their WBBL campaign with an 18-run victory against defending titleholders Hobart Hurricanes at Junction Oval.
Meg Lanning anchored the innings with a 52-ball 71, while Annabel Sutherland provided a powerful impetus with a 26-ball 57. The duo combined for a decisive 109-run partnership off just 66 deliveries, propelling the Stars to a formidable total of 192/4. Despite Hobart appearing competitive at the midway point with 103/2, fueled by Lizelle Lee’s 33-ball 57, the chase faltered under pressure from Charlotte Dean. Dean delivered a disciplined spell, conceding only 13 runs while removing Heather Graham. Nicola Carey contributed 32, but Sutherland returned to dismantle the lower order, finishing with 3 for 34 as the Hurricanes were restricted to 174/8. Thanks to a 33-ball 57 from Lizelle Lee but the chase lost momentum when Charlotte Dean came on to bowl, hurricanes were well placed at 103/2 at the halfway mark. She conceded only 13 runs in her four overs and picked the key wicket of Heather Graham in the 15th over. Nicola Carey kept them in the hunt with 32 before Sutherland cleaned up the tail to finish with 3 for 34 as the Hurricanes ended on 174/8.
In the opening match of the season, Sydney Thunder secured a six-wicket win over the Melbourne Renegades, successfully chasing a target of 139 with three overs to spare. Georgia Voll starred with the ball, claiming 4 for 26 and orchestrating a significant late-innings collapse that saw the Renegades lose five wickets for two runs in just seven deliveries. Hayley Matthews had previously provided a brisk 45 for the hosts, but the innings stalled at 138/9. Leading to a late collapse in which Renegades lost five wickets for two runs in the space of seven balls, voll finished with 4 for 26 and also played a part in inflicting Nicole Faltum’s run-out.
During the chase, Anika Learoyd anchored the middle order with 48, forming a crucial 62-run third-wicket stand with Heather Knight. Knight remained unbeaten on 29 alongside Nadine de Klerk to guide the Thunder to victory. Brief scores: Melbourne Renegades 138/9 in 20 overs (Hayley Matthews 45; Georgia Voll 4-26) lost to Sydney Thunder 140/4 in 17 overs (Anika Learoyd 48, Heather Knight 29*; Tayla Vlaeminck 2-23). Melbourne Stars 192/4 in 20 overs (Meg Lanning 71, Annabel Sutherland 57; Heather Graham 2-31) beat Hobart Hurricanes 174/8 in 20 overs (Lizelle Lee 57; Annabel Sutherland 3-34) by 18 runs.
