![Jess Jonassen decimated the Stars batting line up in a rain curtailed match [Image: Getty] WBBL 2024](https://www.womenscricinsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/391433.webp "Jess Jonassen decimated the Stars batting line up in a rain curtailed match [Image: Getty]")
The 36th match of the Women’s Big Bash League – WBBL 2024, held at Allan Border Field in Brisbane, showcased Brisbane Heat’s commanding form as they secured a convincing nine-wicket victory over Melbourne Stars in a rain-affected seven overs game.
Opting to field first after winning the toss, Brisbane Heat set the tone with a disciplined bowling performance, backed by sharp fielding that strangled the Melbourne Stars’ batting lineup. The Stars managed only 46/6 in their allotted seven overs, a reflection of the relentless pressure applied by the Heat’s bowlers. The innings began on a cautious note, but the lack of partnerships and regular fall of wickets thwarted any chance of building momentum.
Annabel Sutherland Dismissed Early
Annabel Sutherland, the Stars’ captain, was the first to fall, managing just 4 runs off 6 balls before being caught off Lucy Hamilton’s bowling. The early breakthrough unsettled the Stars, but Rhys McKenna provided a glimmer of hope with a brisk cameo.
Her 15 off 9 balls, punctuated by two boundaries and a six, momentarily lifted the scoring rate. However, McKenna’s dismissal in the third over triggered a middle-order collapse from which the Stars never recovered.
Jess Jonassen Emerges As Chief Wrecker In-Charge
Brisbane’s skipper, Jess Jonassen, was the standout performer with the ball. Her spell of 3/8 in two overs was a masterclass in spin bowling under pressure. She dismantled the Stars’ backbone, claiming the prized wickets of Meg Lanning, Marizanne Kapp, and Deepti Sharma. Each dismissal came at a crucial juncture, with Jonassen’s clever variations and pinpoint accuracy preventing the batters from settling at the crease. She was well-supported by Lucy Hamilton, who also bowled with precision to finish with impressive figures of 2/8.
Tess Flintoff stood as a lone warrior for the Stars, scoring an unbeaten 14 off 13 balls. While she managed to stabilize the innings towards the end, her efforts lacked substantial support from the other end. Ines McKeon’s boundary off her only ball added a faint touch of positivity to an otherwise dismal batting display.
The Stars’ inability to string partnerships, coupled with the Heat’s ability to strike at regular intervals, restricted their scoring rate to 6.57, leaving them with a modest total that was always going to be difficult to defend against a strong Heat lineup.
The Harris Sisters Light Up The Show
Chasing a modest target of 47, Brisbane Heat’s openers started with composure and confidence, laying a solid foundation for the chase. Grace Harris, the experienced campaigner, led the way with a measured yet authoritative knock. She remained unbeaten on 21 off 16 balls, showcasing her class with three well-timed boundaries that kept the scoring rate in check. Her ability to rotate the strike and capitalize on loose deliveries highlighted her role as the anchor of the innings.
Her opening partner, Laura Harris, injected energy early on with a quickfire 11 off 8 deliveries. She struck a towering six that briefly shifted the momentum firmly in Brisbane’s favor before falling to Annabel Sutherland in the third over.
Sutherland’s breakthrough brought Jemimah Rodrigues to the crease, and the young Indian star displayed her trademark calm and composed approach. Rodrigues complemented Grace Harris perfectly, contributing an unbeaten 7 off 8 balls, as the pair ensured there were no further hiccups in the chase. Their unbroken partnership guided the Heat to victory with 10 balls to spare, underlining their control over the game.
Extras played a surprisingly significant role in easing the chase for Brisbane. The Melbourne Stars bowled eight wides, gifting the Heat crucial runs and alleviating any potential pressure in such a low-scoring encounter. These extras highlighted the Stars’ struggles to maintain discipline with the ball, a glaring weakness in their bowling effort.
While the Stars’ bowlers strived to make inroads, the lack of scoreboard pressure left them with little margin for error. Annabel Sutherland’s dismissal of Laura Harris was a bright moment, and Sophie Day impressed with an economical spell, conceding just 6 runs from her 1.2 overs. However, the rest of the bowling attack lacked penetration, and the Heat capitalized on the modest target with a professional and efficient batting display.
Jess Jonassen’s all-round performance stood out as the defining feature of the match. Her pivotal spell of 3/8 earlier in the game dismantled the Stars’ batting lineup, setting the stage for a straightforward chase. Her leadership, precision, and tactical nous earned her the Player of the Match award, cementing her status as one of the game’s premier all-rounders.
The victory further bolstered Brisbane Heat’s standing in the competition, showcasing their depth, resilience, and ability to adapt to challenging conditions in a rain-curtailed fixture. Conversely, the Melbourne Stars were left to reflect on a disappointing performance, particularly with the bat. Their inability to construct partnerships and capitalize on opportunities left them with a subpar total, exposing vulnerabilities they will need to address in the games ahead.
Brief Scores WBBL 2024: Brisbane Heat vs Melbourne Stars – Match 36
Melbourne Stars: 46/6 in 7 overs (Rhys McKenna 15, Tess Flintoff 14*; Jess Jonassen 3/8, Lucy Hamilton 2/8) lost to Brisbane Heat: 47/1 in 5.2 overs (Grace Harris 21*, Laura Harris 11; Annabel Sutherland 1/6) by 9 wickets.
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