Tag: cricket

Rain Wreaks Havoc as Brisbane Heat Fall Short in WBBL10 Final

Brisbane Heat’s quest for a third premiership ended in heartbreak at the MCG, falling seven runs short against the Melbourne Renegades in a rain-affected WBBL10 final. Captain Jess Jonassen’s heroic unbeaten innings of 44 went in vain as Brisbane fell just short of the revised target.

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Early setbacks and weather disruption

After winning the toss and electing to field, the Heat’s bowlers applied consistent pressure early on. Charli Knott (3-26) and Grace Parsons (2-29) kept the Renegades in check, but West Indies star Hayley Matthews was the standout performer. Matthews crafted a masterful 69 off 61 balls—the highest individual score in WBBL final history—propelling her side to a competitive total.

Brisbane’s chase began disastrously. Power-hitter Grace Harris fell for a second-ball duck, followed soon after by the in-form Jemimah Rodrigues. The situation worsened when rain caused a 40-minute delay, leaving Brisbane with a reduced target of 98 runs from 12 overs.

A captain’s valiant effort

In a display of remarkable resilience, skipper Jess Jonassen nearly pulled off the impossible with an unbeaten 44 from 28 deliveries. Her late assault included a six and a four in the Power Surge over against Deandra Dottin, bringing the equation down to 30 off the final two overs. However, the experience of Renegades’ international spinners, Matthews and Sophie Molineux, proved decisive in the closing stages.

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While the result marks a second consecutive final defeat for the Heat, their consistent presence in the championship decider underscores their status as one of the WBBL’s powerhouses. Emerging talents like Knott and Parsons, combined with Jonassen’s seasoned leadership, leave Brisbane well-positioned for future campaigns.

This loss will sting for the Heat faithful, but the team’s journey to the final—including dominant performances throughout the tournament—provides hope for the seasons ahead. As the dust settles on another WBBL campaign, the focus will now shift to regrouping and coming back stronger for WBBL11.

Published 01-December-2024

Match preview published on 29-November-2024.

Brisbane Heat’s Hot Streak Burns Bright: WBBL10 Final Showdown Awaits

Brisbane Heat’s Hot Streak Burns Bright WBBL10 Final Showdown Awaits
Photo Credit: Instagram/heatbbl

The Brisbane Heat’s remarkable late-season surge shows no signs of slowing as they prepare to face minor premiers Melbourne Renegades in the WBBL10 final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday, 1 December.

Riding a six-match winning streak, the Heat secured a commanding nine-wicket victory over the Sydney Thunder in Friday’s Challenger, booking their place in the premiership decider for a second consecutive season.

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Dominant display sets stage for WBBL10 Final

The Heat’s dominant performance at Allan Border Field showcased why they’re genuine contenders for the title. Georgia Redmayne’s masterful unbeaten 51 off 41 balls, supported by Jemimah Rodrigues’ elegant 43, highlighted the team’s batting depth. However, Rodrigues retired hurt due to a hand injury, raising concerns about her availability for the final.

In the bowling department, Grace Parsons emerged as the standout performer, claiming an impressive 3-10 in three overs. Her spell, supported by Jess Jonassen’s sharp tactics, limited the Thunder to 7-133 despite late resistance from Hannah Darlington and Taneale Peschel.

History and form point to epic battle

The Heat enter the final with momentum on their side, but the Renegades, as minor premiers, present a formidable challenge. The teams’ only encounter this season resulted in a 28-run victory for the Heat, though much has changed since that early-season clash.

Sunday’s final at the MCG promises a thrilling contest between the competition’s most consistent side and the team carrying the hottest form. For Heat supporters, the prospect of their team lifting the trophy seems increasingly possible, given their recent dominant performances and the confidence flowing through the squad.

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The decider begins at 12:20 p.m. on Sunday, with Brisbane seeking to convert their late-season momentum into championship glory. After dismantling the Thunder with such efficiency, the Heat have sent a clear message to the Renegades: they’re ready for the ultimate challenge.

Unfinished Business: Brisbane Heat Eye WBBL Glory in Landmark 10th Season

After falling three runs short in last season’s Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) final and suffering a recent last-ball defeat in the Spring Challenge decider, the Brisbane Heat enter their tenth WBBL campaign with redemption firmly in their sights. The Heat’s journey begins this Saturday, 27 October, where last season ended—against the defending champion Adelaide Strikers.

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Spring Challenge Final sets tone for season rivalry

The Brisbane Heat’s path to WBBL10 was marked by a dramatic last-ball defeat in the inaugural T20 Spring Challenge final against the Hobart Hurricanes. After electing to bat, the Heat found themselves restricted to 133, with Sianna Ginger leading the scoring with a determined 24. The Hurricanes’ duo of Ruth Johnston (4-20) and Molly Strano (3-31) proved particularly challenging for the Heat’s usually potent batting lineup.

With the Heat bowling and the Hurricanes needing three runs in the final over, Ginger’s tight start—two dot balls—almost pulled off an improbable win for Brisbane. However, with one run needed off the final delivery, Emma Manix-Geeves pierced the gap at backward point, sealing a five-wicket victory for Hobart.

Key matches for the Brisbane Heat

The Brisbane Heat schedule includes three home fixtures at Allan Border Field and one at The Gabba, offering fans multiple opportunities to support the team.

Here are the key matchups to watch:
• Opening day finals rematch against the Adelaide Strikers (27 October)
• Home opener at Allan Border Field with a night clash against the Melbourne Renegades (30 October)
• A highly anticipated Hurricanes rematch at CitiPower Centre (2 November), reigniting the Spring Challenge rivalry
• The historic Gabba return against the Strikers (9 November), marking the first WBBL match at the venue in six years
• Western swing featuring back-to-back matches at WACA Ground against the Perth Scorchers (5 November) and the Sydney Thunder (7 November)
• Season finale against the Sydney Sixers at Allan Border Field (24 November)

    For the full schedule and match details, visit the Brisbane Heat Women’s official schedule.

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    With the tournament condensed to 43 matches including knockouts, every game carries increased significance in the race for the title. The Heat’s campaign could extend to 1 December, should they qualify for the final, as they aim to capture their third WBBL title and go one better than their runner-up finish in WBBL09.

    Published 23-October-2024