WBBL 2024: Yastika Bhatia shines in Melbourne Stars’ victory over Hobart Hurricanes

In an engaging Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 2024 clash at Junction Oval, Melbourne Stars secured a commanding victory over Hobart Hurricanes on Sunday, November 3.

Melbourne Stars restricts Hobart Hurricanes for 133/7

After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, Hobart Hurricanes got off to a shaky start as their openers, Lizelle Lee and Danielle Wyatt, fell early, each contributing only 4 runs. Nicola Carey then anchored the innings, scoring a resilient 44 off 43 balls, including two fours and a six. She was supported by Chloe Tryon, who contributed a valuable 35 off 33 balls, showcasing her power with a six and a boundary. However, the Hurricanes struggled to build substantial partnerships and finished at 133/7 in their 20 overs, a score that appeared subpar on a favorable batting surface.

Melbourne Stars’ bowlers put on an impressive show, with Marizanne Kapp and Kim Garth leading the attack. Kapp picked up 2 wickets for 28 runs in her full quota of 4 overs, displaying her experience with precision bowling. Garth also claimed 2 wickets, conceding just 21 runs in her 3 overs, effectively stifling the Hurricanes’ run flow. Tess Flintoff, Deepti Sharma and Sophie Day each took a wicket, adding to the Hurricanes’ struggles. Although Annabel Sutherland remained wicketless, she bowled a tight spell, conceding only 20 runs in her 4 overs.

Also READ: WBBL 2024 – Hayley Matthews leads Melbourne Renegades to a dominant victory over Perth Scorchers

Yastika Bhatia hits a match-winning half-century for the Stars

Chasing 134 for victory, the Stars’ innings began with an assertive knock from opener Yastika Bhatia, who laid a strong foundation with her 57 off 46 balls. She struck seven fours and a six, making the target appear within easy reach. Ines Mckeon, her opening partner, was dismissed early for 6, but Bhatia continued to build momentum alongside Meg Lanning, who contributed a swift 27 off 21 balls, finding the boundary four times.

Following Lanning’s dismissal, skipper Sutherland and Kapp took charge, guiding the Stars towards the target. Sutherland played a well-paced knock of 26 off 20 balls, while Kapp’s unbeaten 15 off 11, featuring two boundaries, ensured that Melbourne Stars cruised to victory with 13 balls to spare and 7 wickets remaining.

Heather Graham was the pick of the Hurricanes’ bowlers, claiming 2 wickets for 30 runs in her 4 overs, while arey managed a wicket as well, but the Hurricanes’ bowling lacked penetration to halt the Stars’ charge.

For her remarkable half-century, Yastika Bhatia was named Player of the Match.

Also READ: WBBL 2024 – Squads, Broadcast and Live Streaming details | When & Where to Watch in India, Australia, US, UK, Canada & other countries

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.