The women’s Big Bash is back, and the opening day at Junction Oval had everything. Sydney Thunder and Melbourne Stars both banked wins to start WBBL|12.
Thunder chased down 139 against Melbourne Renegades, winning by six wickets with 18 balls to spare. Renegades made 138/9 after being sent in, with West Indies star Hayley Matthews hitting 45 off 30 balls. Then the wheels fell off: Renegades lost five wickets for two runs in the 17th and 18th overs. Georgia Voll’s 4-26 did the damage with her off-spin.
Anika Learoyd’s career-best 48 off 37 led the chase, and she put on 62 for the third wicket with Heather Knight (29 not out). Nadine de Klerk was there at the end as Thunder finished the job.
In the night game, Stars posted 192/4 against defending champions Hobart Hurricanes women. Meg Lanning made 71 off 52, and skipper Annabel Sutherland smashed 57. Their 109-run stand off 66 balls broke the game open.
Lizelle Lee’s 57 off 33 gave Hobart hope, but Sutherland (3-34) struck with the ball too, and the Stars won by 18 runs. Cricbuzz has the full WBBL wrap. Two wins from two Melbourne teams at Junction Oval. A perfect day for the home crowd.
Last verified: 30 October 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the WBBL 12 opening match?
Sydney Thunder beat Melbourne Renegades by six wickets, chasing 139 with 18 balls to spare. Anika Learoyd top-scored with a career-best 48 off 37 balls.
How did Annabel Sutherland play against Hurricanes?
She made 57 with the bat and took 3-34 with the ball, earning Player of the Match as Melbourne Stars beat Hobart Hurricanes by 18 runs.