By Victoria Hamilton 
Melbourne Renegades Women vs Sydney Thunder Women WBBL 2025 5th Match Preview
The Women’s Big Bash League 2025 continues its fast-paced start as the Melbourne Renegades Women face the Sydney Thunder Women in the 5th Match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on November 11, 2025, starting at 3:10 PM local time.
Both sides enter this clash with different trajectories — the Renegades flying high after a commanding opening win, while the Thunder are looking to bounce back after a disappointing start to their campaign. The Renegades’ all-round balance under captain Sophie Molineux will be tested against a Thunder lineup packed with power and international quality.
Match Details
- Fixture: Melbourne Renegades Women vs Sydney Thunder Women, 5th Match, WBBL 2025
- Date & Time: November 11, 2025 | 3:10 PM (local)
- Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne
- Tournament: Women’s Big Bash League 2025
Form Guide
- Melbourne Renegades Women: ✅ ✅ ✅ 🅰️ ✅ – On a five-match unbeaten streak, peaking at the right time.
- Sydney Thunder Women: ✅ ❌ ❌ ✅ ❌ – Flashes of brilliance but struggling for consistency.
The Renegades’ stability and all-round firepower make them early tournament favourites, while the Thunder’s unpredictability keeps them dangerous.
Players to Watch – Melbourne Renegades Women
Courtney Webb: 257 runs in 9 matches @ 36.71 avg, SR 130.45 – the most reliable batter in red, anchoring innings with calm precision.
Nicole Faltum (wk): 153 runs @ 38.25 avg – adds depth and tempo in the middle order.
Sophie Molineux (c): 7 wickets in just 3 matches @ 6.45 econ – lethal with the new ball and clever with her variations.
Sarah Coyte: 9 wickets in 8 matches, 6.14 econ – veteran pacer who thrives in Melbourne conditions.
Deandra Dottin: the X-factor; her big-hitting and death-over bowling make her a complete T20 weapon.
Players to Watch – Sydney Thunder Women
Chamari Athapaththu: world-class match-winner; capable of turning games with bat or ball.
Anika Learoyd: 242 runs in 10 matches @ 40.33 avg – Thunder’s in-form rock at No. 3.
Tahlia Wilson (wk): 189 runs in 10 matches – consistent contributor who keeps the scoreboard ticking.
Heather Knight: the experienced campaigner who controls the middle overs and guides run chases.
Samantha Bates & Taneale Peschel: combined 17 wickets last season – key to breaking partnerships early.
Shabnim Ismail: raw pace, aggression, and wicket-taking threat; her battle with Webb and Faltum could define the game.
Head-to-Head (Last 5 Matches)
- Nov 23, 2024 – Renegades won by 9 wickets
- Nov 01, 2023 – Thunder won by 37 runs
- Oct 26, 2023 – Thunder won by 8 wickets
- Nov 15, 2022 – Renegades won by 8 wickets
- Nov 06, 2022 – Renegades won by 5 wickets
Renegades lead 3–2 in the last five – a closely contested rivalry with shifting momentum.
Pitch & Conditions
- The MCG pitch offers a fine balance between bat and ball. Early movement for seamers, true bounce for batters.
- Spinners get some grip later in the day as the surface slows.
- Par Score: 150–160.
- Conditions: Mild and sunny – perfect for cricket.
Match Prediction
The Thunder possess elite firepower, but the Renegades’ all-round depth and bowling precision at home give them a notable edge.
Prediction: Melbourne Renegades Women to win the game.