McCoy ∙ Harmanpreet Kaur’s Melbourne Renegades beat Smriti Manthana’s Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League in a thrilling battle between the superstars of the Indian women’s team for centuries and half – centuries. The Melbourne Renegades won by four runs. The Melbourne Renegades lost the toss and elected to bat, scoring 175 for four in the allotted 20 overs. The Sydney Thunder struggled to 171 for two in 20 overs.
Sydney Thunder’s Smriti Manthana, who was unbeaten on 114 off 64 balls, was the man of the match. Manthana scored 114 runs with 14 fours and three sixes. This is Manthana’s maiden century in the Big Bash League.
The Sydney Thunders needed 13 runs to win the last over bowled by Harmanpreet Kaur. Manthana and Talia Wilson, who were at the crease, failed to score a single boundary and scored just eight runs. Kaur took one wicket for just 24 runs in four overs. Manthana and Talia put on 125 for the third wicket with 83 balls to spare.
The Sydney Thunder suffered a setback when it was knocked down but left unattended. Talia Wilson was unbeaten on 38 off 39 balls. Only three fours won. Opener Sammy Joe Johnson hit 12 off 14 balls with two fours. Phoebe Lichfield, who was out for a run off three balls, was also disappointed.
Earlier, Indian batsman Harmanpreet Kaur’s half-century gave Melbourne the lead. Batting fourth, Kaur was unbeaten on 81 off 55 balls. Kaur’s innings included 11 fours and two sixes. Evelyn Jones hit 42 off 33 balls with six fours and a six, while Jess Duffin hit 33 off 22 balls with two fours and a six. Jamie Rodriguez (two off four balls) and Carly Leeson (seven off seven balls) were disappointing. Samantha Bates took two wickets for 21 runs in four overs for the Sydney Thunder.
English Summary: Smriti Mandhana scores maiden WBBL century off 57 balls
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