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The Melbourne Stars delivered a commanding performance to defeat their cross-town rivals, the Melbourne Renegades, by 45 runs at the Junction Oval, a win that immediately propelled them to the top of the Women’s Big Bash League WBBL 2026 points table.
The victory was powered by a superb, unbeaten captain’s knock from Meg Lanning, followed by a clinical, collaborative effort from the bowling unit.
First Innings: Lanning Builds the Foundation
After being asked to bat first, the Melbourne Stars overcame an early dismissal to post a competitive total of 160 for 5.
- The Anchor: Meg Lanning provided the cornerstone of the innings, playing a magnificent, measured knock of 73 runs off 58 balls (unbeaten). She steadily guided the team through the Powerplay, stabilizing the early situation alongside Amy Jones (43).
- Crucial Acceleration: The innings gained vital momentum when Annabel Sutherland joined Lanning. The pair put on a match-defining 70-run partnership off just 43 balls, maximizing the Powerplay 2 phase. Their hitting climaxed in a 21-run over off Sarah Coyte, ensuring the total was challenging despite tight bowling from Milly Illingworth 3/19 and Georgia Wareham 2/27 at the death.
Second Innings: Spin and Seam Choke the Renegades
Defending 160, the Stars’ bowling unit executed a near-perfect collective effort, ensuring the Renegades’ chase disintegrated rapidly.
- Early Disruption: The Renegades’ pursuit started woefully, losing openers Courtney Webb and Naomi Stalenberg inside the Powerplay. The quick dismissals continued when Alice Capsey and Georgia Wareham fell in the seventh over, reducing the target hunters to a vulnerable 57 for 5.
- Gibson and Garth Dominate: Leg-spinner Maisy Gibson led the demolition, applying constant pressure in the middle overs and finishing with an excellent haul of 3 wickets for 17 runs. Kim Garth was equally effective with the new ball and during her later spells, claiming 2 wickets for 18 runs.
- Resistance Fails: Although Deandra Dottin and Nicole Faltum (23 runs each) attempted to push the score closer to the century mark, the relentless accuracy of the Stars’ bowlers prevented any sustained partnerships. Rhys McKenna claimed the crucial wicket of Dottin, and the team’s combined effort wrapped up the innings quickly.
- Consolation: Issy Wong struck a few late boundaries (20 off 11 balls), but the Renegades were eventually dismissed for 115, handing the Stars a comfortable 45-run margin of victory.
The decisive win not only secured the Melbourne Derby bragging rights but also propelled the Melbourne Stars into the top spot of the WBBL standings.
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