Hayley Matthews's all-round genius inspires Melbourne Renegades to record chase in WBBL

Hayley Matthews did great fireworks as Melbourne Renegades attained a new record for the highest successful pursuit in Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) history. The chasing required the Renegades to stand tall against a daunting total of 185 set by Adelaide Strikers. Eventually, the Renegades went past 186/1 with 17 balls remaining and nine wickets left at the disposal, thanks to a huge performance from Matthews.

Matthews was in anything but a doormat mood at Karen Rolton Oval, where it was a batting-friendly pitch. She returned after figures of 2 for 28 to produce a breathtaking 85 off 54 deliveries, striking 12 fours and two sixes as a demonstration of power and precision. Her all-around performance anchored the chase that Renegades mounted and crushed any hopes that may have crept into the head of the Strikers to defend.

Hayley Matthews got support from Courtney Webb in the Melbourne Renegades’ match against Adelaide Strikers

Most importantly, Matthews found the support she needed from Courtney Webb, who put together a brisk 90-run cameo before retiring hurt with a back injury. If Alice Capsey sank low, Deandra Dottin joined and provided fire – blasting an unbeaten 46 off just 18 balls with a strike rate of 255.56, sending the Strikers’ bowlers into tatters in her company with Matthews.

Adelaide Strikers had started well with 185/8 in 20 overs. With Smriti Mandhana’s 25-ball 40 and a dominant 24-ball 49 by Tahlia McGrath, the Strikers pushed their total to one that could have been commanding. But, the Renegades snatched the chase from under the noses of the Strikers, hence overshadowing the efforts put forth by the Strikers.

Two major bowling blows for Matthews-the wickets of Madeline Penna and Amanda-Jade Wellington-only scratched the surface, regarding denting the depth of the Strikers’ batting. In any case, along with Orla Prendergast’s useful contribution of 24 in just 12 balls, it was enough not as the Renegades thundered their way to a historic victory, putting them into second spot in the table.

Toss and Result:
Adelaide Strikers 185/8 in 20 overs (Tahlia McGrath 49, Smriti Mandhana 40; Hayley Matthews 2-28) lost to Melbourne Renegades 186/1 in 17.1 overs (Hayley Matthews 85, Deandra Dottin 46; Darcie Brown 1-43) by 9 wickets.