WBBL Archives

Melbourne Stars routed for record-low 29 in WBBL

Melbourne Stars side boasting Australia skipper Meg Lanning and several England internationals was bundled out for just 29 runs against Adelaide Strikers in the fourth match of WBBL 2023, recording the lowest score in the women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) history.

The previous low in the Twenty20 competition’s eight seasons was the 66 posted by both Brisbane Heat and Hobart Hurricanes in 2017.

Chasing Adelaide Strikers’ 177, Melbourne Stars’ innings lasted just 57 legal deliveries. No batter from the Stars managed to reach double figures against rampant defending WBBL champions, who won by a crushing 148 runs.

“Everyone kept saying ‘this is ridiculous, what’s happening’,” said Strikers skipper Tahlia McGrath after the game on Saturday evening at Karen Rolton Oval in Adelaide.

“It’s still a little bit hard to process.”

Along with Lanning, the Stars’ top order featured fellow Australian Annabel Sutherland, plus England-capped trio Sophia Dunkley, Alice Capsey and Maia Bouchier.

Megan Schutt and Amanda-Jade Wellington both grabbed three wickets each with Zimbabwe leg-spinner Anesu Mushangwe taking two.

Melbourne Stars’ skipper Meg Lanning invited the Strikers to bat first, but the decision backfired as Katie Mack and Laura Wolvaardt raised 135 runs for the first wicket.

Both openers were then dismissed in the same over by Sophie Day.

Wolvaardt departed after scoring 47 off 36, while Katie Mack, who scored 86 off 50, got out stumped two balls later.

Sophie Day claimed another wicket to finish with figures of 3-24 in her four overs.

However, Adelaide Strikers managed to post 177 on board despite Day’s performance.

The two teams will square off again in the eighth match of WBBL on October 24 in Melbourne.

READ: Klaasen, bowlers aid South Africa thrash holders England

WBBL trophy ascended over 1000ft to kick off new season

Alyssa Healy and Meg Lanning welcomed the upcoming season of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) in a unique fashion as they took the trophy to the Sydney Tower Eye, standing at 1,014 feet high.

Meg Lanning, the Melbourne Stars’ captain, expressed her excitement for the upcoming season of WBBL.

“Never before have I been to such staggering heights. It’s super exciting, and I can’t wait for the tournament to begin,” said Lanning.

Meanwhile, Alyssa Healy of Sydney Sixers praised the enduring appeal of the WBBL after nine years.

“It’s nice to see that after all this time, the WBBL is still as thrilling as ever,” said Healy.
Lanning also applauded the inclusion of cricket in the Olympics, calling it a monumental decision.

“I’m glad to see cricket being included in the Olympics. It’s a monumental leap that will undoubtedly elevate the game to new heights.”

Alyssa Healy, who has participated in the Women’s IPL previously, shared her excitement about the growing opportunities for women’s cricket worldwide.

She also expressed her wish to witness more Indian players participating in the WBBL while emphasizing the league’s commitment to inclusivity and its potential to further diversify the talent pool.

WBBL season 09 is scheduled to commence on 20 October, Friday from North Sydney Oval where Sydney Sixers will face off against Melbourne Stars in the opening game.

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Australian women cricketers want more South Asian representation in WBBL

MELBOURNE: Star Australian women’s cricketers Ellyse Perry and Alana King called for more representation of South Asian players in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL).

The launching ceremony of the ninth edition of the WBBL took place here on Monday.

Star all-rounder Ellyse Perry (Sydney Sixers), Georgia Wareham (Melbourne Renegades), Kim Garth (Melbourne Stars), Jemma Barsby (Adelaide Strikers) and Alana King (Perth Scorchers) were present at the glittering ceremony.

While talking to the media Sydney Sixers’ captain Perry expressed her desire to see more South Asian women’s cricketers participating in the WBBL.

“Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan women’s cricket teams have won some important series which has led to the development of women’s cricket,” Perry said.

“A number of South Asian cricketers are featuring in the upcoming edition of men’s Big Bash this year. The participation of South Asian players in the Women’s Big Bash should also continue,” she added.

Perth Scorchers’ captain Alana King echoed Perry’s wish and also asserted that more women’s leagues would be launched soon.

“The more South Asian women cricketers play franchise cricket, the more they will learn,” Alana King said.

“Indian cricketers are also playing in the Hundreds, WBBL has also inspired many cricketers. The people of this region love cricket very much.

“The time is not far when we will see more women’s leagues like men’s cricket.”

For the unversed, the ninth edition of the WBBL will run from October 19 to December 2.

The women’s cricketers also extended their heartfelt support to Australia’s men’s team, who had a dismal start to their ICC World Cup 2023 campaign with back-to-back defeats.

Ellyse Perry termed Australia the ‘favourite’ to win the ICC World Cup 2023.

“Australia is favourite for both Pakistan match in Bengaluru and to lift up the World Cup,” said Perry.

Leg-spin all-rounder King also wished the Australian men’s team luck but termed host India a ‘tough’ team.

“Hosts India would be a really tough opponent, but our good wishes are with Australia men’s squad,” said King.

READ: IOC confirms cricket as one of five new sports at 2028 Los Angeles Olympics