WBBL 2023: Chamari Athapaththu Eases Chase For Sydney Thunder Against Melbourne Renegades

Sydney Thunder have secured their second game of the WBBL 2023 on the back of a stunning all-round show of Chamari Athapaththu. Chasing down the score set by Melbourne Renegades, the Thunders have settled on the second position on the points table with 4 points.

A major contribution from Chamari Athapaththu, the Sri Lankan captain and star all-rounder of the Sydney Thunders. An easy win for them securing the game in 18 overs, and sparing 8 wickets. The game at Sydney was an absolute spectacle, beginning with Sydney Thunder winning the toss and electing to bowl first.

With Melbourne Renegades batting, captain Hayley Matthews and Tammy Beaumont opened the bat for the team. No major contribution from Matthews, as she was lost too early. Beaumont continued the game with Josephine Dooley.

The Renegade batters struggled to maintain partnerships and play a steady game. None of them were able to secure major runs for the side, as the spectators expected. But each one of them played a quick game.

With Courtney Webb securing a total of 31, Georgia Wareham in the end overs, secured the major runs for her side. She played a brilliant 34 deliveries and contributed 47 runs for her side.

With this, the Melbourne Renegades settled for a decent score of 147 runs at a loss of 5 wickets. At an aggregate run rate of 7.35, the Melbourne Renegades were able to set a defendable score in 20 overs.

🇱🇰 Chamari Athapaththu is on FIRE in #WBBL09 🔥 pic.twitter.com/yCbEU7UOSl

— Weber Women's Big Bash League (@WBBL) October 26, 2023

Good bowling from the Sydney Thunders. Bowling at a good economy, Marizanne Kapp, Chamari Athapaththu, Hannah Darlington and Ebony Hoskin were able to secure one wicket each. Athapaththu’s economy was brilliant among all.

The chase wasn’t an easy one for Sydney Thunders. With bowlers like Georgia Wareham, Sarah Coyote, and Hayley Matthews on the opposition’s side, the chase was fierce indeed. But Chamari Athapaththu’s opening stroke, along with Tahlia Wilson, gave the team the required foundation.

Tahlia Wilson played a good game, setting the tone for the batters. She secured 28 runs in 24 deliveries which helped the team gain pace in the first few overs. Chamari Athapaththu played a brilliant game indeed. The star of the match, Athapaththu secured 80 runs in just 54 deliveries which made the chase seem very easy for the side.

The remaining few runs were secured by Pheobe Litchfield and Heather Knight. They secured the last 25 runs for the side and secured the game, sparing 15 balls and 8 wickets.

Georgia Wareham picked two wickets for her side. No success for other bowlers, given the power batting performance from Sydney Thunder. With this, Sydney Thunders won the match and secured the second position on the points table.

WBBL 2023: Melbourne Renegades vs Sydney Thunder Brief Scores

Melbourne Renegades 147/5 (Georgia Wareham 47 (34), Courtney Webb 31 (30), Chamari Athapaththu 1/20) won against Sydney Thunder 151/2 (Chamari Athapaththu 80 (54), Georgia Wareham 2/23) by 8 wickets.

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