Molineux, Matthews and Dottin help Renegades open account in final-over thriller
After Molineux's four-fer and Matthews' half-century, Dottin saw the chase through when the Renegades needed 5 off 2
Melbourne Renegades finally got off the mark with a four-wicket victory over Hobart Hurricanes in a final-over thriller. Hurricanes' skipper Nicola Carey's 62 propelled the hosts to 154/7 after her counterpart Sophie Molineux's destructive opening spell. Hayley Matthews' half-century had Renegades cruising until a mini collapse in the middle overs threatened to derail their first win. Deandra Dottin, however, brought her experience to the fore to see them through eventually.
After Molineux won the toss and elected to field, she led from the front to leave the Hurricanes reeling at 8 for 2 in the second over. Lizelle Lee fell for 6, and Rachel Trenaman departed for a two-ball duck one delivery later. Chamari Athapaththu struggled for rhythm, managing just nine off 18 balls before being dismissed by Georgia Wareham. That soon became 66/4 as Molineux picked up her third. Carey then anchored the Hurricanes' recovery with a composed captain's knock of 62 from 43 deliveries, laced with 10 boundaries.
Maddy Green contributed 17, but it was Chinelle Henry’s blistering late cameo that provided the much-needed impetus. Henry struck 36 off just 18 balls with seven fours, lifting Hobart to a competitive total. Molineux proved to be the standout bowler for the visitors, finishing with exceptional figures of 4 for 22 from her four overs, while Georgia Wareham and Hayley Matthews claimed one apiece. Renegades’ chase was spearheaded by opener Matthews. After Olivia Porter was dismissed for 14, Matthews forged a vital 69-run second-wicket partnership with Courtney Webb (29 off 25 balls) to put the chase on track. Matthews went on to compile a commanding 59 off 44 balls, featuring eight boundaries. Hobart clawed their way back through Heather Graham, who dismantled the Renegades' middle order by claiming three key wickets for 24 runs in her four-over spell. Carey backed her up with 2 for 30, triggering a mini collapse of 3 for 9.
With the Renegades reduced to 138 for 6, the chase went down to the final over with five runs required off two balls. Dottin held her nerve, edging Carey for a four past slip off the fifth ball to level the scores, followed by a match-ending no-ball on the final delivery to seal the chase at 155 for 6 in 19.5 overs.
Molineux was named Player of the Match for her match-defining four-wicket haul.
Brief scores: Hobart Hurricanes 154/7 in 20 overs (Nicola Carey 62, Chinelle Henry 36; Sophie Molineux 4-22) lost to Melbourne Renegades 155/6 in 19.5 overs (Hayley Matthews 59, Courtney Webb 29; Heather Graham 3-24, Nicola Carey 2-30) by 4 wickets
