WBBL Final Highlights | Melbourne Renegades Crowned WBBL Champions in Thrilling Final Against Brisbane Heat

The Melbourne Renegades Women clinched their first-ever Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) title with a nail-biting seven-run victory over the Brisbane Heat Women in the 2024 final at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. Rain played a pivotal role in this dramatic encounter, shortening Brisbane’s second innings to 12 overs with a revised target of 98 runs under the DLS method. Hayley Matthews delivered a stellar all-round performance, earning her the Player of the Match accolade.

Melbourne Renegades Women vs Brisbane Heat Women, WBBL Final
Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne - 1 December 2024

Melbourne Renegades Women: 141/9 (20 overs; H Matthews 69, N Stalenberg 16; C Knott 3-28, G Parsons 2-29)
Brisbane Heat Women: 90/6 (12 overs; J Jonassen 44*, G Redmayne 16; H Matthews 2-24, C Bekker 1-5)

Result: Melbourne Renegades Women won by 7 runs (2nd innings reduced to 12 overs due to rain, DLS target 98)

Renegades Set a Defendable Target Despite Early Wobbles

Opting to bat first after losing the toss, the Renegades posted 141/9 in their allotted 20 overs. Hayley Matthews anchored the innings with a commanding 69 off 61 balls, showcasing her class and temperament under pressure. Contributions from Courtney Webb (9 off 8) and Naomi Stalenberg (16 off 12) provided crucial support in a middle order that struggled against Brisbane's disciplined bowling.

Charli Knott led the Heat’s attack, claiming 3/28 in her four overs, while Grace Parsons (2/29) and Lucy Hamilton (1/19) chipped in to restrict the Renegades from a potentially higher score. The Renegades' resilience in reaching 141 despite losing wickets at regular intervals underscored their depth and determination.

Rain Alters Chase Dynamics for Brisbane Heat

The Brisbane Heat faced an uphill task as rain interrupted play, reducing their innings to 12 overs with a revised target of 98 runs. Their chase got off to a rocky start, losing Grace Harris for a duck in the opening over. Georgia Redmayne (16 off 15) and Jess Jonassen (44* off 28) attempted to stabilize the innings, but tight bowling from the Renegades kept the pressure on.

Hayley Matthews shone with the ball as well, picking up 2/24 and crucially dismissing Laura Harris and Charli Knott. Sophie Molineux’s economical spell (3-0-21-1) and key wickets from Charis Bekker (1/5) ensured Brisbane’s middle order couldn’t build momentum. Despite a valiant unbeaten effort by Jonassen, the Heat fell short, managing just 90/6 in their 12 overs.

Captain Molineux and Team Celebrate Historic Triumph

Sophie Molineux, the Renegades’ inspirational captain, expressed her elation post-match, highlighting the team’s collective effort throughout the tournament. "It hasn’t quite sunk in yet," Molineux said. "This win is a testament to the resilience and determination of this group. To go from last place last season to champions is unbelievable."

The Renegades’ triumph is particularly remarkable given their absence from the top individual stats charts this season. Their success was driven by a balanced team effort, with players stepping up in critical moments.

Hayley Matthews: The Star of the Final

Hayley Matthews once again proved why she is one of the best in the business, delivering a match-winning performance. Her all-round brilliance—69 runs with the bat and two crucial wickets with the ball made her the standout performer of the final. Reflecting on the victory, Matthews said, “It’s massive for this group. Everyone contributed, and it’s a special feeling to help the team achieve this milestone.”

A Landmark Victory for Women’s Cricket

The Melbourne Renegades' maiden WBBL title not only ends years of waiting but also highlights the growing competitiveness of women’s cricket. With a passionate crowd at the MCG and players stepping up on the big stage, this final will be remembered as a landmark moment in the league’s history.

As the Renegades celebrated their hard-fought victory, Brisbane Heat captain Jess Jonassen graciously acknowledged their opponents, saying, “Congratulations to the Renegades, you thoroughly deserve it. We’ll regroup and aim to come back stronger next season.”

This thrilling finale encapsulated the spirit of the WBBL intense competition, resilience, and a showcase of the incredible talent in women’s cricket.