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In Match 9 of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 2024, the Melbourne Stars emerged victorious over the Sydney Sixers by 32 runs using the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method at North Sydney Oval on Friday (November 1). The Stars showcased a dominant performance, posting a formidable total of 195/4 in their allotted 20 overs. The Sixers were reduced to 56 for four in 8.3 overs when rain interrupted play once and for all. The Stars were above the par score and won the match by 32 runs (DLS).
Batting brilliance: Rhys McKenna and Meg Lanning propel stars to a huge total
Electing to bat first, the Stars set the tone with a powerful batting display. Opener Yastika Bhatia laid a solid foundation with a composed 36 runs off 28 balls. However, it was Meg Lanning who anchored the innings expertly, scoring an unbeaten 58 runs from 36 deliveries, featuring five boundaries and three sixes. The standout performance came from Rhys McKenna, who delivered a breathtaking innings, scoring 52 runs off just 22 balls. McKenna’s explosive batting included seven boundaries and three sixes, propelling the Stars to a daunting total of 195. Her strike rate of 236.36 left the opposition in awe and set a challenging target for the Sixers.
Sydney Sixers stumble chasing after rain interruption
The Sixers’ innings got off to a challenging start, as Alyssa Healy was dismissed for just 4 runs by Kim Garth, unable to provide the explosive start that the team desperately needed. Captain Ellyse Perry stepped up under pressure, finishing unbeaten on 31 runs off 25 balls, which included five well-timed boundaries. However, despite Perry’s valiant efforts, the Sixers struggled to maintain the required run rate, frequently losing wickets that hindered their momentum.
Contributions from Sarah Bryce, Ashleigh Gardner, and Hollie Armitage fell short of the target, as the Sixers were ultimately reduced to 56 for 4 in 8.3 overs when rain halted play, leading to the match’s conclusion. With the Stars’ total above the par score, they secured victory by 32 runs under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method.
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Stellar bowling performance by Melbourne Stars
The Stars’ bowling attack executed their strategy flawlessly, effectively stifling the aggressive intent of the Sixers. Marizanne Kapp was particularly impressive, conceding only 12 runs in her three overs, laying a strong foundation for the bowling unit. Support from Tess Flintoff and Annabel Sutherland further tightened the screws on the Sixers’ middle order, resulting in critical breakthroughs. This exceptional collective bowling performance allowed the Melbourne Stars to secure a decisive victory, underscoring their strength in both batting and bowling departments in this thrilling encounter.
Rhys McKenna wins Player of the match for her outstanding knock 🥇#women #cricket #WBBL10 #rhysmckenna #CricketTwitter #WomenCricket pic.twitter.com/10CzOrfcJ3
— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) November 1, 2024
