In a Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL)|11 contest held at Melbourne’s Junction Oval on Tuesday, Melbourne Renegades emerged victorious over the Sydney Thunder in the 5th match of the season. The clash was a high-octane display of cricket with Renegades chasing down a competitive Thunder total, winning by four wickets with 11 balls to spare. Central to this emphatic victory was the all-round brilliance of Georgia Wareham, whose exceptional performance earned her the well-deserved Player of the Match accolade.
Georgia Wareham’s exceptional performance with both bat and ball
The Renegades’ captain Wareham turned the game on its head with a standout all-round display. With the ball, she bowled a disciplined 4 overs, picking up 2 crucial wickets for 25 runs in a tight economy spell that helped maintain pressure on Sydney Thunder’s batting lineup. Her sharp leg-spin dismissed key batters including captain Phoebe Litchfield and Heather Knight, crucial in restricting the Thunder to a fighting total of 148/7 in their allotted 20 overs.
Wareham then showcased her batting prowess in the run chase, scoring a blistering 58 runs off just 32 balls. Her innings included 9 fours and a six, characterized by aggressive stroke play combined with smart running between the wickets. She was the linchpin of the Renegades’ innings, anchoring the middle order and steering the chase with deft control. Her explosive knock maintained a high strike rate of 181.25, ultimately bringing her side across the finish line comfortably. Wareham’s well-rounded excellence with bat and ball distinctly influenced the outcome and demonstrated why she is a vital asset for Renegades this season.
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Melbourne Renegades’ clinical victory over Sydney Thunder in WBBL|11
The Thunder set a competitive target of 148 runs from their 20 overs, with notable contributions from Tahlia Wilson (30 off 30 balls), Heather Knight (30 off 20 balls), and Anika Learoyd (31 off 21 balls). The Thunder innings included steady partnerships but were frequently disrupted by the Renegades’ disciplined bowling unit, with Wareham and Deandra Dottin bowling incisively.
Chasing 149 for victory, the Renegades got off to a shaky start losing early wickets of Davina Perrin and Courtney Webb inside the powerplay. However, Alice Capsey stabilized the innings with a well-timed 30 runs. Wareham then took center stage, combining aggression and resilience to keep the scoreboard ticking. Her partnership with Nicole Faltum, who contributed a valuable unbeaten 37 off 26 balls, proved decisive in the latter stages of the match.
The Renegades successfully reached the target at 151 runs for 6 wickets in 18.1 overs, showcasing strategic batting depth and clutch performances under pressure. The team’s balanced mix of experienced players and emerging talent under Wareham’s leadership framed the dominant win, positioning them strongly early in the WBBL|11 campaign.
Two wins in Two matches by Melbourne Renegades 🌟#MelbourneRenegades #WBBL2025 pic.twitter.com/fNlpQZmKfZ
— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) November 11, 2025
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
