There's set to be sunshine at last, Stars will look to shine and can Hurricanes lift themselves off the foot of the table by blowing away Renegades?
Game One: Hobart Hurricanes v Melbourne Renegades
Game Two: Adelaide Strikers v Melbourne Stars
After another rain-interrupted weekend, all sides will be looking to play 20-over cricket at some point this week – which they should as the weather is set fair for tomorrow…
The Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method played its part in the last round, producing some close results. Sydney Thunder defeated Brisbane Heat by 14 runs; the latter were chasing 45 in five overs. Meanwhile Perth Scorchers overcame Melbourne Renegades by 18 runs.
With most teams involved in a couple of washouts so far, it’s hard to tell who are the team to beat at this stage. Everyone is finding their feet and adjusting to these Sydney conditions and trying to gather momentum.
Hobart Hurricanes themselves will be looking to bounce back after being subjected to a half-century from Elyse Villani last time out – but without a win in their opening four matches, it could be tough.
Renegades were undefeated against Hobart last year, picking up four-wicket and eight-wicket wins respectively. If they are to repeat the feat this time around, then they will want to make it easier than the first fixture between the two last year. Jess Duffin inspired her side to win off the last ball in pursuit of 151.
And, with both Hurricanes and Renegades winless so far in 2020, this should be a cracker.
Melbourne Stars could go top of the table with a win over Adelaide Strikers. With the likes of Meg Lanning, Nat Sciver and Katherine Brunt in the side, they have every chance. They will be going into the game off the back of an eight-wicket victory over Hobart Hurricanes.
Adelaide have been lucky with the weather so far, only having one of their matches washed out. However, the 2019 finalists have had an indifferent start to this campaign, having won just the one match so far.
Georgia Wareham is yet to be dismissed in the sixth edition of the WBBL. The leg-spinner who is turning out to be rather handy with the bat, has scored 76 runs off 41 balls – including 54 not out against Sydney Sixers last time out. Her strike rate so far is 185.36.
Laura Wolvaardt has also notched a half century in the opening games – hitting 51* against Hobart Hurricanes on the opening weekend. Her previous two matches for South Africa saw her hit 41 not out and 53 not out against Australia and Pakistan respectively. Effectively, she went more than eight months without being dismissed.
Sarah Coyte is the tournament’s top wicket-taker, having claimed five scalps already, and will be key against Melbourne Stars. Twelve years younger but no less impressive, Darcie Brown will also form a key part of Strikers’ bowling attack. The seamer has bowled with real pace in the opening stages of the competition after becoming the youngest-ever player to represent Adelaide in the competition.
Both of Stars’ England recruits, Sciver and Brunt, have been on target with the ball – taking seven wickets between them so far. Sciver, however, has contributed just 16 runs thus far; if she can begin to fire – alongside Lanning – then Stars, holders of last season’s wooden-spoon, will fancy themselves for a real push at glory.
Melbourne Renegades to edge out Hobart Hurricanes
Melbourne Stars to overpower Adelaide Strikers
In Australia, Kayo Sports are showing all 59 matches through their streaming service. Remaining games are accessible either through Channel 7, Fox Cricket or cricket.com.au.
UK broadcasters BT Sport 2 are showing both matches live. Hobart Hurricanes v Melbourne Renegades will be shown from 3.15am, meanwhile Adelaide Strikers v Melbourne Stars will be on air from 8am.
BBC Radio Five Live Sports Extra will have live coverage of both games.
Hoorah, the sun should make an appearance. After a damp start to the competition, the sun is set to shine and the rain should stay clear – the forecast is only showing a 4% chance of rain.
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