Teen Sensation Hamilton Bowls Heat to Historic WBBL Win

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.

Tags: #WBBL, #BrisbaneHeat, #MelbourneStars, #LucyHamilton, #FiveWicketHaul