Lanning’s Century Steers Melbourne Stars to Commanding Win
In a masterclass of batting brilliance, Melbourne Stars captain Meg Lanning smashed an unbeaten 101 off 65 balls, leading her team to a dominant 54-run victory over the Sydney Sixers in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL). Played at a packed Junction Oval, the match showcased the Stars’ all-round superiority, with Lanning’s century stealing the spotlight.
Lanning’s Batting Masterclass
From the first ball, Lanning was in imperious form, dismantling the Sixers’ bowling attack with precision. Her innings featured 12 boundaries and 2 sixes, blending textbook drives with innovative strokeplay. Reaching 50 in 35 balls, she accelerated in the death overs, smashing 15 runs in the final over to complete her maiden WBBL century.
This knock not only marked her return to form but also reinforced her status as one of the greatest batters in women’s cricket.
Stars’ Batting Firepower Shines
While Lanning was the standout, Elyse Villani (32) and Mignon du Preez (27) provided a solid start. The middle order added quick runs, pushing the Stars to a formidable 182/3 in 20 overs. Sixers’ bowlers, including Ashleigh Gardner (1/29), struggled to contain the onslaught.
Sixers’ Chase Falls Short
The Sixers’ chase never gained momentum, losing Alyssa Healy (3) early to Annabel Sutherland (2/20). Despite efforts from Ellyse Perry (24) and Gardner (17), the middle order collapsed against Alana King’s spin (3/15), ending at 128 all out in 19 overs.
Key Takeaways for WBBL Season
✅ Lanning’s Form: A warning to rivals as she regains peak touch.
✅ Stars’ Bowling Depth: King & Sutherland provide a lethal attack.
❌ Sixers’ Batting Struggles: Over-reliance on Perry & Healy exposed.
Final Verdict
The Stars, with Lanning in top gear, look like serious title contenders, while the Sixers must fix their middle-order woes to stay in playoff contention.
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