MELBOURNE, Australia, CMC – West Indies captain Hayley Matthews finally tasted some form with a season-high knock. Still, the outcome remained the same for her Melbourne Renegades as they suffered their ninth defeat of a wretched season in a four-run loss to cross-town rivals Melbourne Stars.
Averaging a dismal 11 before Sunday’s contest at Junction Oval, the right-hander punched 32 off 22 deliveries, but Renegades failed to chase down the 145 required for victory.
Dropping down to number four in the line-up, the Renegades skipper put on 34 for the fourth wicket with Georgia Wareham (11), striking four fours and a six, before perishing in the 18th over with her side needing a further 20 runs off 14 deliveries.
Renegades endured a shaky start, losing Emma de Broughe for a first-ball ‘duck’ to the third ball of the run chase before recovering through a 63-run, second-wicket stand between Indian batting star Harmanpreet Kaur (37) and opener Tammy Beaumont (31).
Matthews had earlier finished wicket-less from her four overs, which leaked 30 runs as Stars rallied to 144 for five off their 20 overs after being sent in.
Captain Meg Lanning struck a superb unbeaten 67 off 49 balls with half-dozen fours and a six, helping to post 29 for the first wicket with Maia Bouchier (17), 48 for the second wicket with Alice Capsey (23), and a further 37 for the third wicket with Annabel Sutherland (24).
Renegades remain rock bottom with two points after a single win in ten games, while Stars languish just above them, seventh in the eight-team table on six points following their third win.
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