Hayley Matthews delivered a match-winning all-round performance to guide Melbourne Renegades to their first-ever Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) title. The rain-hit final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) ended in high drama, with the Renegades overcoming Brisbane Heat by seven runs via the DLS method to cap off a fairytale season.
Matthews showcased her brilliance with a fiery 69 off 61 balls, two crucial wickets, and a pivotal catch, scripting a historic win for the Renegades. The victory marked a stunning turnaround for the team, who had finished last in the previous season. For Brisbane Heat, it was another heart-wrenching finale, falling short for the second consecutive year.
Matthews Anchors Renegades’ Revival After Early Collapse
The Renegades endured a shaky start, slumping to 23/3 by the fifth over, with Deandra Dottin falling victim to a freak run-out. Matthews steadied the innings with a composed knock, building partnerships with Georgia Wareham (21) and valuable lower-order contributions. Her three boundaries in the final overs propelled the team to 141/9.
Brisbane Heat’s Charli Knott impressed with 3/28, while Lucy Hamilton’s economical spell (4-0-19-1) kept the Renegades under pressure.
Melbourne Renegades Hold Nerve in Rain-Reduced Chase in WBBL 2024
Chasing a revised target of 98 in 12 overs after rain interruptions, Brisbane Heat stumbled early as Grace Harris departed for a duck. Matthews then spun her magic, dismissing Laura Harris and Georgia Redmayne in quick succession.
Jess Jonassen kept Brisbane’s hopes alive with a valiant unbeaten 44 off 28 balls, smashing boundaries to narrow the gap. However, Matthews and Sophie Molineux held their composure in the final overs, sealing a dramatic seven-run win for the Renegades.
The victory not only ended the Renegades’ WBBL title drought but also cemented Hayley Matthews’ reputation as one of the finest all-rounders in the game.
