WBBL: Harmanpreet, Rodrigues shines in Melbourne

PHOTO: Jemimah Rodrigues got an invaluable 33 when the Melbourne Renegades defeated the hosts with six throws from Hobart Hurricanes. Photo: Twitter

Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur kept his nerves under pressure as opener Jemimah Rodrigues got an invaluable 33 when the Melbourne Renegades defeated the hosts in a six-stroke Hobart Hurricanes match in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) on Saturday.

Chasing 122, Rodrigues and skipper Sophie Molineaux (16 out of 16) split 22 runs into the opening stand before the latter left.

Rodrigues, whose hit fell from 34 balls and had two limits and six, then sewed 68 runs to the second club with Courtney Webb (31) before three quick goals made the yacht a little awkward for Renegades.

The pressure increased after the loss of fast fairways, and the experienced Harmanpreet (24 not out of 19) was required to keep the innings together and get over the Renegades finish line. The Indian did the work with four balls in hand and George Wareham (5 not out) at the other end.

Previously, Renegades twins Molineux (2/12) and Wareham (3/13) used the brakes before 121 bowling.

Harmanpreet also registered his name on the list of wicket takers by taking his compatriot Richa Ghoshi, who played 14 balls with a 21-piece cameo.

Meanwhile, in the second match of the day, Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma did not fulfill their reputation as their party Sydney Thunder lost 30 times against Adelaide Strikers.

Adelaide Strikers, sent to the bat, rode skipper Tahlia McGrathin 42 and Madeline Penna 35 to send a competitive 140 to seven.

Deepti Sharma proved to be expensive with the ball, as he gave 32 runs out of his four overs and at the same time one throw.

While chasing, the Indian duo Mandhana (4) and Deepti (4) do not sparkle with a racket while Sydney Thunders is 110.

Both matches were played behind closed doors after strict biosecurity protocols when the state of Tasmania was locked in for three days on Friday after fear of COVID.