Melbourne Renegades won big bash 2024
2024.12.01
Melbourne Renegades clinched their first WBBL title with win over Brisbane Heat in a rain-interrupted thriller.
Rain interrupted the exciting Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 2024–25 final between the Melbourne Renegades and Brisbane Heat at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. In their 20 overs, the Renegades set a difficult goal of 141/9, driven by the brilliant knock of Hayley Matthews. Despite a strong effort from captain Jess Jonassen, the Heat’s chase—which was adjusted to 98 runs in 12 overs using the DLS method—was defeated by 7 runs, and the Renegades won the title for the first time ever. Because of her outstanding all-around performance in the top clash, Matthews was ultimately named Player of the Match.
The Renegades chose to bat first, and a masterclass from Matthews helped them overcome early losses. In the face of frequent wickets, her steady 69 off 61 balls held the batting together while she formed vital partnerships with Naomi Stalenberg (16 off 12) and Georgia Wareham (21 off 21). Matthews’ late burst and strategic aggression in the middle overs helped raise the score to a respectable 141. Grace Parsons and Jonassen contributed crucial breakthroughs to the Heat’s bowling attack, which was led by Charli Knott (3/28) and put the Renegades under pressure. But in the high-stakes final, the Renegades’ late surge contributed crucial runs, providing their bowlers with a target they could defend.
The Heat’s pursuit of 142 started poorly, losing Grace Harris and Jemimah Rodrigues early. At 19/2 in 3.2 overs, rain interrupted play, forcing a revised target of 98 in 12 overs under the DLS method. Georgia Redmayne and Knott attempted to consolidate but failed to convert starts, leaving skipper Jonassen with an uphill task. Jonassen single-handedly kept the Heat in contention with a superb unbeaten 44 off 28 balls, showcasing her trademark composure and hitting prowess. However, a disciplined Renegades bowling attack, led by Matthews (2/24), chipped away at the batting lineup, ensuring no substantial partnerships developed.
As the match reached its climax, Jonassen’s late blitz brought the equation down to 13 runs needed off the final over. Despite her heroics, the Renegades held their nerve, with Charis Bekker and Milly Illingworth delivering clutch performances. Matthews’ all-round brilliance, complemented by a collective bowling effort, sealed the title for the Renegades. This victory marks a historic WBBL 2024/25 campaign for the Renegades, characterized by resilience, tactical acumen, and standout individual performances. The rain-affected thriller will be remembered as a testament to the intensity and unpredictability of T20 cricket.
@charith Rajapaksha
