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
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.
