The Melbourne Renegades claimed their maiden Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) title with a thrilling seven-run victory (DLS method) over the Brisbane Heat at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). A standout all-round performance from Hayley Matthews, who scored 69 runs and took 2-24, was instrumental in the Renegades’ historic win, capping off an incredible turnaround from last place in the previous season to champions in 2024.
Batting first, the Renegades posted 141/9 in their 20 overs. Matthews anchored the innings with a measured start before unleashing during the Power Surge, scoring 22 runs in that phase. Despite regular fall of wickets, Matthews formed crucial partnerships with Georgia Wareham (21 off 21) and Naomi Stalenberg to guide the Renegades to a competitive total. Her late flourish, including two boundaries in the final over, pushed the total past 140, despite the efforts of Brisbane Heat’s spinners Charli Knott (3-26), Grace Parsons (2-29), and Jess Jonassen (1-19), who kept the Renegades in check for much of the innings.
The Heat’s chase began on a disastrous note, with Grace Harris falling for a second-ball duck to rookie spinner Charis Bekker, courtesy of a stunning catch by Sarah Coyte. Milly Illingworth soon dismissed Indian star Jemimah Rodrigues, leaving the Heat struggling at 19/2. Rain then interrupted play, reducing the game to 12 overs and setting a revised target of 98 for the Heat.
After the restart, the Renegades bowlers maintained relentless pressure. Matthews struck again, clean-bowling the dangerous Laura Harris and leaving the Heat reeling at 37/5. While Heat captain Jess Jonassen offered resistance with a late charge, including a 16-run over off Deandra Dottin during the Power Surge, her teammates struggled against the disciplined Renegades attack.
With 19 runs needed from the final over, Renegades captain Sophie Molineux held her nerve. She delivered a near-perfect over, conceding just five runs from the first five balls. Although Jonassen hit a six off the final delivery, it wasn’t enough to change the outcome.
The Renegades celebrated their hard-fought and historic victory, marking a stunning turnaround from wooden spooners last season to WBBL champions. Matthews’ all-round heroics and the team’s collective effort made this a season to remember for Melbourne.
