Melbourne Stars slumped to the biggest defeat in the Women’s Big Bash League history, going down against reigning champions Adelaide Strikers by 148 runs on October 21.
Adelaide Strikers defeated the Stars with their lowest ever WBBL total of 29 points. After reaching his 177-3 mark with the bat, the Strikers defended that high total with authority. Stars batsmen were unaware of the intense bowling line-up consisting of Megan Schutt (3-3), wrist spinners Amanda Jade-Wellington (3-4) and Anes Mushangwe (2-12).
Earlier, Stars captain Meg Lanning led the Strikers to bat first on a cold night at Karen Rolton Oval in Adelaide. Their bowling attack was crushed by Strikers openers Katie Mack and Laura Wolvaardt. The two battled for a 135-run stand for the first wicket in just 14 overs. Mack top-scored with 86 off his 50 balls and reached 14 boundaries. Meanwhile, the in-form Wolvaardt played second fiddle with her 47 (36).
Stars talismanic captain Meg Lanning returned early during the run chase after Schutt’s flick from the opening over failed to clear the midwicket boundary. Mushangwe, playing his second WBBL match, further suffocated Stars with a double strike in the next over. Sophia Dunkley (9) and Alice Capsey (2) broke off their deliveries to the infield and returned to the pavilion without making any notable contributions. The visitors never recovered from their early collapse as an insurmountable defeat came knocking on the door. McGrath eased the suffering by taking the final wicket for the Stars’ score of 29. Lanning’s team surpassed the previous lowest WBBL total (66) held by Brisbane Heat and Hobart Hurricanes. The troubled stars will have to reunite before they meet again on October 24th.
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