Cricket

Brisbane Heat's 18-year-old sensation Lucy Hamilton etched her name into WBBL history on Sunday, becoming the youngest player to claim a five-wicket haul. The Bundaberg native, who skipped schoolies' week to join her team, played a pivotal role in Heat's crucial six-wicket victory over the Melbourne Stars.Hamilton's remarkable performance began in the first over, where she dismissed both Annabel Sutherland and Yastika Bhatia. Her impressive spell continued as she trapped Meg Lanning lbw and had Tess Flintoff caught driving on the up. The left-armer completed her historic haul by trapping Deepti Sharma lbw, becoming the first Heat bowler to achieve the feat in the WBBL.Hamilton's figures of 5 for 8 are the equal-second best in the competition's 10-year history, trailing only Megan Schutt's 6 for 19. Her performance was all the more impressive considering she had not taken a wicket in her previous eight WBBL matches."All my mates are at schoolies at the moment, on the Goldy living it up," said Hamilton after the match. "Going out there today I was just trying to back myself. Getting my first wicket and getting 5-fa, all the girls were getting around me. It was really exciting. I've had to be patient, played a few games, and it finally came and was really thrilling."Heat's batters made light work of the chase, with Jemimah Rodrigues and Charlie Knott leading the way. Rodrigues smashed 45 from 31, including two big sixes, before being deceived by a Sutherland slower ball. Heat reached the target with 15 balls to spare, moving back up into third on the ladder.The win was Heat's third straight, while Stars' season is now almost over with just two wins from seven matches. Hamilton's performance was a major highlight for Heat, who will be hoping to continue their winning ways in the coming weeks.

Melbourne Renegades emerged victorious in a thrilling nine-run WBBL clash against local rivals Melbourne Stars, thanks to a career-best knock from Nicole Faltum and Sarah Coyte's clutch bowling in the dying moments.Faltum's unbeaten 66 off 42 deliveries propelled the Renegades to a competitive 170 for 6 at the MCG. The wicketkeeper-batter's innings was a masterclass in power-hitting, as she smashed six boundaries and two maximums.The Stars' chase got off to a shaky start as Hayley Matthews and Deandra Dottin stifled their scoring rate. However, Rhys McKenna and Tess Flintoff threatened to turn the tide with some quickfire batting.But Coyte's ice-cool bowling proved to be the difference-maker. She dismissed both McKenna and Flintoff in the penultimate over, leaving the Stars needing 18 runs off the final six balls. Matthews' valiant effort wasn't enough to secure victory, as the Renegades held on for a crucial win.Faltum's partnership with Georgia Wareham (34) was instrumental in setting up the Renegades' victory. The duo added 67 runs for the sixth wicket, a new WBBL record for runs added after the fall of the fifth wicket.The result sees the Renegades climb to second spot on the ladder with a 5-3 record, while the Stars' playoff hopes hang in the balance at 2-4.Faltum's performance was a testament to the Renegades' unwavering belief in their abilities. "There is just this belief amongst the group that we can win from anywhere," she said. "We didn't win our first two games but we still believed that we were right on task."

Local Melbourne Renegades player Charis Bekker has made a remarkable transition from the pub to the center stage of the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL), playing a pivotal role in her team's 15-run victory over arch-rivals Melbourne Stars.Bekker, a 20-year-old spinner, was called into the Renegades squad as a replacement for injured spinner Sophie Molineux. Despite her limited experience, she showed no signs of nerves in the high-pressure Melbourne derby.In her four overs, Bekker conceded only nine runs and picked up the crucial wicket of superstar batter Meg Lanning. Her miserly bowling figures earned her the player of the match award."It's been a bit of a whirlwind," Bekker said after the match. "I was at the pub a couple of days ago with my mates, and then got the call [to join the squad]. I played against the Scorchers which was really cool. And then hopped on a flight. It's been really rushed."Bekker's maiden WBBL wicket was none other than Lanning, one of the most decorated batters in the world. "Everyone was cheering me on, I was just trying to bowl my best ball, and it happened to be Meg Lanning, which was kind of awesome," Bekker said.Deepti Sharma top-scored for the Stars with 23, while Georgia Wareham claimed the key wicket of captain Annabel Sutherland for 16. The result improved the Renegades' record to 3-3, while the Stars are now 2-3.Earlier, the Renegades were struggling at 87 for 5 before Naomi Stalenberg (26 not out off 17 balls) and Nicole Faltum (29 off 23) added some handy runs to lift the total to 146 for 6.The Renegades were 54 for 2 after 10 overs when they took the power surge. Although Deandra Dottin fell for 7 shortly after, the Renegades cracked 29 runs off the two overs. Alice Capsey and Wareham fell in quick succession before Stalenberg and Faltum steadied the ship with a 55-run stand.The Stars' run chase started slowly with the scoreboard reading 16 for 1 after five overs. Bhatia was lucky to still be there after being dropped by wicketkeeper Faltum in the first over when she was yet to score. The opener scored 22 off 26 balls, but the rest of her team-mates struggled for fluency as the required run rate ballooned out.

Sydney Sixers' Amelia Kerr and Ellyse Perry orchestrated a remarkable six-run victory over Melbourne Stars in a thrilling WBBL encounter at Junction Oval.Kerr, making her Sixers debut after recovering from a quad injury, played a pivotal role in the chase, scoring an unbeaten 46 from 41 deliveries. Her innings included five boundaries, providing crucial momentum for the Sixers. Perry, the Australian captain, remained unbeaten on 48 from 44 balls, hitting six boundaries to guide her team to victory.The Sixers' chase began with a setback as Kim Garth dismissed Sarah Bryce in the second over. However, Kerr's arrival at the crease sparked a resurgence. She formed a formidable partnership with Perry, taking the game away from the Stars.Kerr's all-round brilliance extended to the bowling department, where she claimed two wickets. She dismissed Stars' top-scorer Annabel Sutherland in the final over and also accounted for Tess Flintoff two balls later.English spinner Sophie Ecclestone was the standout performer for the Sixers with the ball, claiming 3 for 19 from four overs. Her economical spell played a significant role in restricting the Stars' total.The result leaves both Melbourne teams with losses heading into their Saturday derby at Junction Oval, while the Sixers improve to a 3-2 record.

Melbourne Stars Triumph Over Hobart Hurricanes with Bhatia's Stellar KnockIn a thrilling Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) encounter at Junction Oval, the Melbourne Stars emerged victorious over the Hobart Hurricanes by a comfortable seven-wicket margin. Indian opener Yastika Bhatia played a pivotal role in the Stars' success, anchoring their chase with a classy half-century.Batting first, the Hurricanes posted a competitive total of 133 for 7. Nicola Carey and Chloe Tryon provided the backbone of their innings, contributing 44 and 35 runs respectively. However, the Stars' bowling attack, led by Marizanne Kapp and Kim Garth, kept the Hurricanes in check.In response, the Stars chased down the target with ease, reaching 136 for 3 with 13 balls to spare. Bhatia led the charge with a superb 57 off 46 deliveries, including seven boundaries and a six. Meg Lanning and Annabel Sutherland also made significant contributions with the bat.Bhatia expressed her gratitude to Lanning for her guidance during the power surge, which helped her navigate the Hurricanes' bowling attack. She also acknowledged the presence of her family, making the victory even more special.Heather Graham provided some resistance for the Hurricanes, dismissing both Stars openers. Carey also claimed the crucial wicket of Lanning. However, the Stars' batting depth proved too strong, with Bhatia, Lanning, and Sutherland guiding them to a comfortable victory.Indian offspinner Deepti Sharma made her Stars debut in this match, taking 1 for 27 from four overs. Her economical spell further bolstered the Stars' bowling attack.

Sydney Sixers have received a significant boost with the return of Australian captain Alyssa Healy, who has recovered from the injury that forced her to miss the latter stages of the T20 World Cup. Healy, who suffered a ruptured plantar fascia in her right foot during Australia's match against Pakistan, is now available for the WBBL and will make her comeback in Friday's clash against Melbourne Stars at North Sydney Oval.Healy's return is a major boost for the Sixers, who have struggled in her absence. They lost their opening match of the tournament to defending champions Adelaide Strikers and will be looking to bounce back against the Stars. Healy's experience and leadership will be invaluable to the Sixers, who are aiming to win their third WBBL title.Speaking after Australia's semi-final loss to South Africa, Healy admitted that she had wrestled with the decision over whether to try and play in the World Cup. "It was a really hard decision to make last night as to whether or not we're going to give it a punt or not," she said. "I tried to make the 'team decision' and sat myself down, instead of taking the risk."Healy's return to fitness is a timely boost for the Sixers, who are also missing New Zealand allrounder Amelia Kerr. Kerr is doubtful for the entire competition after picking up an injury in India. However, the Sixers have been impressed by the performances of Scotland's Sarah Bryce, who has been in excellent form with the bat.The Sixers will be hoping that Healy can make a quick return to form and help them challenge for the WBBL title. They have a tough match against the Stars on Friday, but Healy's presence will give them a major boost.

Tom Curran, the third-highest wicket-taker among overseas bowlers in the Big Bash League (BBL), has signed a two-year pre-draft deal with the Melbourne Stars for the 2024-25 season. The move comes after a tumultuous season with the Sydney Sixers, where he was suspended for intimidating an umpire.Despite taking 3 for 19 in the game where he was suspended, Curran only appeared in two more matches before a knee injury ended his campaign. The Sixers have since reassessed their overseas options, with a spinner reportedly high on their list.However, Curran believes he left the Sixers on good terms. "I don't feel like it was an issue with the Sixers," he said. "We fought the case together and they backed me."Curran is currently playing for the Oval Invincibles in the Hundred, having recovered from a broken forearm. The injury was a reminder of the dangers bowlers face, particularly in T20 cricket."It was nasty," he said. "It could have been so much worse if it had got me in the face."Curran has previously fought back from two stress fractures of the back and has opted to step away from red-ball cricket. While he is not consumed by the prospect of an England recall, he is confident he could make a success of it."I feel like I'm a better all-round player than I was then," he said. "I know my value now."

Melbourne Stars have secured a major coup ahead of the upcoming WBBL season, signing South African all-rounder Marizanne Kapp on a three-year deal. Kapp, who was the No. 1 draft pick for Sydney Thunder last season, has been acquired under the new rule allowing clubs to sign one multi-year pre-draft player.Kapp's decision to join the Stars was heavily influenced by the opportunity to work with coach Jonathan Batty and former Australia captain Meg Lanning, with whom she shared a successful stint at Delhi Capitals in the WPL. "I've been working with JB [Jonathan Batty] for a couple of years and then obviously working with Meg was a big factor for me moving, I like the way they work," Kapp explained.Kapp's impressive resume includes stints with Sydney Sixers, where she won back-to-back titles, and Perth Scorchers, where she was named Player of the Final in the 2021-22 season. Melbourne Stars general manager Blair Crouch hailed Kapp's signing as a significant boost to the team's title aspirations. "Marizanne is one of the best all-rounders in the world with an outstanding record at both domestic and international level," Crouch said. "As well as her talents with both bat and ball, she will add invaluable experience to our young squad in our quest to be among the challengers for WBBL 10."Kapp played a pivotal role in South Africa's recent tour of Australia, delivering a standout performance in their historic first ODI victory over the home side with a brilliant 75 runs and 3 for 12 at North Sydney Oval.Kapp joins Amelia Kerr (Sydney Sixers) and Nadine de Klerk (Brisbane Heat) as the third overseas player to be signed before the WBBL draft. The draft is scheduled for early September, with the WBBL season set to commence shortly after the T20 World Cup in late October.

Tom Curran, the dynamic English all-rounder, has inked a two-year deal with the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League (BBL). This commitment ensures his presence for the entire duration of the tournament, marking a significant acquisition for the Stars.Curran's previous BBL experience includes four seasons with the Sydney Sixers. However, his 2023-24 campaign was marred by controversy when he received a four-match suspension for intimidating an umpire. A subsequent knee injury prematurely ended his tournament.Despite these setbacks, Curran's impressive BBL record remains intact. In 36 matches, he has claimed 51 wickets at an exceptional average of 19.76 and an economical rate of 8.25. His batting prowess is equally noteworthy, with 359 runs scored at a blistering strike rate of 143.60.Curran's signing falls under the BBL's new multi-year contract option, which allows clubs to secure one overseas player before the draft. Players joining under this agreement are obligated to remain for the entire tournament, including finals, from the 2025-26 season onwards. Curran, however, will adhere to this requirement for both years of his contract.Sam Billings holds the distinction of being the first player to sign a multi-year deal in the BBL, having joined the Sydney Thunder. Curran expressed his excitement about joining the Stars, particularly the prospect of playing at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). He emphasized his desire to make a meaningful impact and contribute to the team's success.In an interview with the Stars, Curran revealed that Glenn Maxwell played a pivotal role in his decision to join the club. The pair had previously shared a dressing room at Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Curran also praised the coaching expertise of Peter Moores, who will lead the Stars in the upcoming season.With Maxwell stepping down as captain, the Stars are in search of a new leader. Marcus Stoinis has expressed his interest in the role. The Stars hold the first pick in the overseas draft, scheduled for early September, which will further bolster their squad.