Cricket

Lizelle Lee's consecutive centuries have propelled the Hobart Hurricanes to the top of the WBBL ladder, as they defeated the Adelaide Strikers by 28 runs.Lee, who retired from international cricket last year, has become the first player to score hundreds in back-to-back WBBL matches. Her blistering 103 off 59 deliveries, featuring 13 fours and four sixes, laid the foundation for the Hurricanes' imposing total of 191 for 2.The South African opener's knock came just three days after she smashed an unbeaten 150 against the Perth Scorchers, setting a new WBBL record. Lee's dominance has been remarkable, with her 253 runs from 134 balls in the past two matches including 25 fours and 16 sixes.Nicola Carey provided valuable support with an unbeaten 64 off 46 balls, while skipper Elyse Villani contributed 23 not out from 14 deliveries.The Strikers' chase got off to a promising start thanks to Smriti Mandhana's quickfire innings. However, the Indian star's dismissal in the eighth over proved to be a turning point.Young legspinner Amy Smith stifled the Strikers' momentum in the middle overs, finishing with an impressive 1 for 16 from four overs. South African import Laura Wolvaardt remained unbeaten on 63 off 40 balls, but it was not enough to prevent the Hurricanes from securing a comfortable victory.Lee's consecutive centuries have not only propelled the Hurricanes to the top of the standings but have also cemented her status as one of the most destructive batters in the WBBL. Her ability to clear the boundary with ease and her consistency at the crease make her a formidable opponent.The Hurricanes will be hoping that Lee can continue her remarkable form as they aim to secure a berth in the finals. With three matches in hand, they are well-positioned to challenge for the WBBL title.

Perth Scorchers' teenage sensation Chloe Ainsworth continued her impressive start to the WBBL, leading her team to a dominant 74-run victory over the previously undefeated Sydney Thunder.Ainsworth's impressive bowling figures of 2 for 15 at Drummoyne Oval on Tuesday night played a crucial role in restricting Thunder to a mere 97 runs in the 20th over, well short of Scorchers' formidable total of 171 for 7. The young seamer's early wickets set the tone for the match, as she conceded only 4 runs from her opening two overs.The result snapped Thunder's four-match winning streak and propelled Scorchers from fifth to second on the WBBL ladder. However, the match was not without its drama, as one of Drummoyne Oval's light towers malfunctioned early in Thunder's chase. Umpires halted play to consult with both teams, and Thunder captain Phoebe Litchfield opted to continue batting despite the reduced visibility."I don't think I would like to be batting out there with Ainsworth out there firing, but that's the umpire's call," Thunder coach Lisa Keightley said after the match. "And they gave it to the players, so that is interesting."Despite the setback, Litchfield and Heather Knight briefly reignited Thunder's hopes with a 32-run third-wicket partnership. However, Litchfield's dismissal off Amy Edgar's bowling triggered a collapse, with Thunder losing wickets in quick succession.Earlier, Sophie Devine played a pivotal role in setting up Scorchers' victory with a well-paced 48 from 34 balls. The New Zealand star, who had endured two consecutive ducks prior to Tuesday's match, found her rhythm alongside India's Dayalan Hemalatha, who contributed a brisk 41 off 26 balls.Devine's innings included a six and four boundaries, providing the impetus for Scorchers' strong total. Mikayla Hinkley also played a valuable role, contributing 26 runs to the team's cause.While Devine's performance showcased her experience and class, Ainsworth's display highlighted her immense potential. The 19-year-old has emerged as a genuine threat to opposition batters, adding the likes of Chamari Athapaththu, Meg Lanning, and Alice Capsey to her growing list of victims this season.With nine wickets at an average of 12.88, Ainsworth has proven to be a force to be reckoned with. Her ability to swing the ball both ways and generate pace makes her a formidable opponent, and her performances have undoubtedly caught the attention of Australian selectors.

India's star batter Jemimah Rodrigues has acknowledged the team's subpar performance at the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup in the UAE. India's campaign ended in the group stage, with a tough loss to New Zealand, followed by victories over Pakistan and Sri Lanka. However, a nine-run defeat to Australia and Pakistan's subsequent loss to New Zealand dashed India's hopes of advancing.Rodrigues expressed disappointment with the team's performance, stating that they "didn't play the best cricket that we should have played as an Indian team." She emphasized that each player is aware of their shortcomings and is determined to improve.With the ODI World Cup scheduled for next year in India, Rodrigues expressed confidence that the hosts will learn from their mistakes and prepare well for the 50-over tournament. She stressed the importance of individual accountability and teamwork in achieving success.Rodrigues also highlighted the benefits of playing in global leagues like the WPL, WBBL, CPL, and The Hundred for Indian cricketers. She believes that these leagues provide opportunities to play against the best in the world and adapt to different conditions."Playing these foreign leagues and playing in WPL does help because you play against the best in the world in all these leagues. And at the same time, you get to play in different conditions," Rodrigues said.She added, "In India, we play in different conditions. Over here, every ground is too different to the other. I think that is one of the best parts of playing franchise cricket—that you get used to playing in different conditions."Rodrigues' insights underscore the importance of international exposure and the need for Indian cricketers to embrace global opportunities to enhance their skills and prepare for major tournaments.

Jemimah Rodrigues, the Indian batter, is eager to incorporate the "Australian mindset" she has acquired from her WBBL teammates into her game. Rodrigues, who is back in the tournament for her third stint, has played four games for Brisbane Heat so far. She scored a match-winning 61 off 40 balls against Adelaide Strikers, crediting the turnaround to her Heat teammates' encouragement to play "positively."Rodrigues believes that the positive mindset instilled in her by her Australian teammates has been instrumental in her recent success. She credits Grace Harris and Laura Harris for their support and encouragement, which helped her overcome doubts and play with confidence."I think the last two innings of mine [in the WBBL] didn't go that well," Rodrigues said. "Grace Harris and Laura Harris both of them texted me and said, 'Jemi, your over extra cover drive is the best. Don't stop yourself from playing that. Even if you get out, it's fine. But just keep dominating'. So I think that really helped me in [the Strikers] knock just to have that kind of backing firstly from your team that the team still believes in you and at the same time, just they're like, 'No, we're still going to take the positive route. We're still going to play positive cricket and bat with intent'."Rodrigues believes that facing international bowlers in leagues around the world is beneficial for her confidence, especially with the ODI World Cup scheduled in less than a year. She emphasizes the importance of playing in different conditions and against top bowlers to prepare for the World Cup."Playing these foreign leagues and playing the WPL, it does help because you play against the best in the world in all these leagues and at the same time you get to play in different conditions," she said. "Every ground is so different to the other and I think that is one of the best parts of playing franchise cricket that you get used to the conditions and you get to play the top bowlers in women 's cricket."Rodrigues believes that playing in the WBBL will be good preparation for the ODIs against Australia in December, despite the format being different. She emphasizes the importance of assessing conditions and adapting her mindset to the longer format."For me, nothing much changes in my technique," Rodrigues said. "Nothing much will even change in my mindset. I think I will still back myself to play positive cricket, but at the same time being more sensible because it's a longer format and trying to extend this innings even longer, scoring more and more runs for India. So I think that's the similar mindset. Again, it's about how I assess the conditions and assess the situation."Rodrigues also welcomed the ICC's initiative to eliminate social media abuse in the women's game. She believes that the move will allow players to focus on playing cricket without dealing with harsh comments."I think that was a very good initiative by the ICC. I remember when I had gone in that line because sometimes social media can be harsh. At the end we all are humans, we all are we here doing our best, trying to do whatever we can. Some ways we are great. Some ways we are not. So it's just harsh when we see people just commenting all sorts of things on social media. But it was such a nice thing from ICC just to protect us and just to keep the game so pure. We [needed to] just go out there and play cricket and enjoy cricket than dealing with all these things. So it was, it was really nice from ICC."

Ellyse Perry, the Australian all-rounder, has once again demonstrated her exceptional character both on and off the field. During the ongoing Women's Big Bash League (WBBL), Perry took time out of her busy schedule to make a young fan's day.The heartwarming moment occurred when Perry, who plays for the Sydney Sixers, noticed a young fan wearing a shirt with her name and number. Instead of simply acknowledging the fan, Perry approached the child and engaged in a playful interaction.Perry began by bowling a couple of under-arm balls to the young fan, who eagerly held the bat. The fan's excitement was evident as they swung at the balls with enthusiasm. Perry then gave the fan a high-five, further cementing the special moment.The interaction culminated in Perry taking the fan into her arms, creating a lasting memory for the young cricket enthusiast. The wholesome moment was witnessed by several people, including many young children who were inspired by Perry's kindness and humility.Perry's gesture highlights her dedication to connecting with her fans and promoting the sport of cricket. As one of the most popular female cricketers in the world, Perry understands the importance of inspiring young athletes and fostering a love for the game.Beyond her on-field accomplishments, Perry is also a multi-talented sportsperson. She has represented Australia in both cricket and football, showcasing her exceptional athleticism and versatility. Perry's achievements in both sports have made her a role model for young girls and women around the world.Currently, Perry is the top run-scorer of WBBL 2024, having slammed 315 runs in six games at a strike-rate of more than 150. Her impressive performance has helped the Sydney Sixers remain competitive in the league, despite their current position outside the top four.Perry's contributions to cricket and her unwavering commitment to inspiring young athletes make her a true ambassador for the sport. Her actions both on and off the field serve as a reminder of the power of sports to bring people together and create lasting memories.

Sydney Thunder emerged victorious in the first derby clash of the season, defeating Sydney Sixers by 18 runs at the SCG. The triumph was orchestrated by the impressive performances of Heather Knight and Samantha Bates.Knight, continuing her stellar form, anchored the Thunder's innings with a fluent 50 off 31 deliveries. Her knock, coupled with Chamari Athapaththu's solid foundation, propelled Thunder to a competitive total of 158 for 6.The Thunder's bowling attack proved equally formidable, restricting the Sixers to 140. Bates, in particular, was exceptional, claiming 3-22 and moving to the top of the season's wicket-taking charts. Shabnim Ismail, despite not taking any wickets, played a crucial role with her economical bowling and superb fielding, securing four catches.The Sixers' chase was hampered by a shaky start, with the team losing five wickets for 63 runs in the first 10 overs. Ash Gardner provided a glimmer of hope with a timely return to form, scoring 49. However, her dismissal by Bates with 28 runs required off 14 balls effectively ended the Sixers' hopes.The victory consolidates Thunder's position at the top of the table, while the Sixers remain in the hunt for a top-four finish. With five games remaining, the race for the home grand final intensifies.

Lizelle Lee's record-breaking innings propelled the Hobart Hurricanes to a resounding 72-run victory over the Perth Scorchers in the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL).Lee, the South African opener, smashed an astonishing 150 runs off just 75 deliveries, setting a new WBBL record for the highest individual score. Her innings included a blistering 51-ball century and a world record 12 sixes, eclipsing the previous marks set by Grace Harris.Lee's dominance was evident from the outset as she single-handedly contributed 73% of the Hurricanes' total of 203 for 3. Her innings featured a 114-run partnership with Elyse Villani and an unbroken 73-run stand with Heather Graham.The Scorchers' bowlers struggled to contain Lee's onslaught, with Chloe Ainsworth's 2 for 17 being the only bright spot. Ebony Hoskin, who had been the hero for the Scorchers in their previous match, conceded 53 runs from four overs without taking a wicket.The Scorchers' chase got off to a disastrous start as they lost Sophie Devine for a golden duck and Chloe Piparo run out in the opening over. Despite a valiant effort from Ainsworth (41), the Scorchers were bowled out for 131, falling well short of the target.Lee's record-breaking performance not only secured a crucial victory for the Hurricanes but also highlighted her status as one of the most destructive batters in the world. Her innings will undoubtedly go down as one of the greatest in WBBL history.

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.