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In match 23 of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 2023, Melbourne Stars Women took on Sydney Thunder Women at Casey Fields No. 4 in Melbourne. The low-scoring encounter saw Sydney Thunder Women registering a comfortable 9 wicket triumph.
Disciplined bowling restrict Melbourne Stars at a below-par total
In the first innings, Melbourne Stars Women managed to score 123/5 in their allotted 20 overs. Sophie Reid struggled to get going, scoring just 1 run off 7 balls. Meg Lanning and Alice Capsey added 17 runs each to the total. Annabel Sutherland was the top scorer for Melbourne Stars Women, contributing 42 runs off 39 balls. Sophia Dunkley also played a crucial role with her 34 runs. However, the team struggled to accelerate, with Maia Bouchier and Rhys McKenna unable to make significant contributions.
The Sydney Thunder Women bowlers put in a decent performance. Sammy-Jo Johnson claimed one wicket and conceded 29 runs. Hannah Darlington was the pick of the bowlers, taking two wickets for just 13 runs. However, the other bowlers failed to take wickets, allowing the Stars to post a modest target.
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Chamari Athapaththu sizzles in the easy run chase
In reply, Sydney Thunder Women chased down the target comfortably, scoring 128/1 in just 12.5 overs. Chamari Athapaththu was the star of the innings, smashing 69 runs off 40 balls with 11 fours and 2 sixes. Tahlia Wilson supported her with 45 runs off 33 balls. Phoebe Litchfield contributed 6 runs with a solitary six.
The Melbourne Stars Women’s bowlers struggled to make an impact, with Dunkley being the only bowler to pick up a wicket, conceding 8 runs in her one-over spell.
Sydney Thunder Women emerged victorious, winning by 9 wickets, with 43 balls to spare. The comfortable win Thunder’s fourth victory in the tournament. With that they are now at the top of the points table.
