Melbourne Renegades win maiden WBBL title in thriller at the MCG

Last season, the Melbourne Renegades languished at the bottom of the ladder, one of few teams in the league that had never made a WBBL final.

On Sunday afternoon, the team was reborn as star import Hayley Matthews (69 off 61 balls) led them to an eight-run win over the Brisbane Heat to clinch the franchise’s maiden WBBL title in front of a home crowd at the MCG.

The Renegades celebrate as Laura Harris departs.Credit: Getty Images

A six off the final ball by Brisbane’s Nicola Hancock and a fighting, unbeaten 44 from Jess Jonassen was not enough in a rain-interrupted run chase as the Heat amassed 6-90, eight runs shy of the target they had been set in their 12 overs at the crease.

Fresh off their sixth consecutive victory, Brisbane had their eyes on a record-breaking third title, eager to atone for last year’s nail-biting final loss against the Adelaide Strikers. But the Heat were unable get control of the game after Matthews set the game up with the bat, then snared two wickets with the ball.

After last year’s rain-soaked game at the ’G finished early, organisers were keen to ensure a result, permitting 3½ hours of extra time.

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The Renegades were treated to clear skies and afternoon sunshine, batting in a slightly humid 24-degree heat and securing a competitive 9-141 in front of 5844 spectators.

Rain arrived shortly after 3.15 pm during Brisbane’s innings and halted play for about 30 minutes. This led to revised playing condition and a target of 98 off 12 overs.

The Renegades started on rocky ground. Opening batter Courtney Webb and captain Sophie Molineux were both dismissed early.

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