WBBL match-winner swaps pub for prized scalp of Lanning

Local replacement player Charis Bekker went from the pub to centre stage as the Melbourne Renegades posted a 15-run WBBL win over arch rivals the Melbourne Stars.

Chasing 147 for victory in Saturday's match at the Junction Oval, the Stars were restricted to 9-131.

All six of the Renegades' bowlers picked up a single wicket, with the Stars suffering three run-outs as well.

Bekker was playing just her second WBBL game after being called into the squad to replace injured spinner Sophie Molineux (knee).

The 20-year-old didn't let the big stage of a Melbourne derby faze her, returning the miserly figures of 1-9 from her four overs to be named player of the match.

"It's been a bit of a whirlwind," Bekker said.

When your first Big Bash wicket is MEG LANNING!How good is this for 20-year-old, Charis Bekker. #WBBL10 pic.twitter.com/sIM6B5VP13? Weber Women's Big Bash League (@WBBL) November 9, 2024

"I was at the pub a couple of days ago with my mates, and then got the call (to join the squad).

"I played against the Scorchers (earlier this week in Perth) which was really cool. And then hopped on a flight. It's been really rushed."

Bekker's maiden WBBL wicket was none other than superstar batter Meg Lanning (22 off 21 balls).

"Everyone was cheering me on, I was just trying to bowl my best ball, and it happened to be Meg Lanning, which was kind of awesome," Bekker said.

Deepti Sharma top scored for the Stars with 23, while Yastika Bhatia and Lanning were the next best with 22.

Georgia Wareham claimed the key wicket of captain Annabel Sutherland for 16.

The result improved the Renegades' record to 3-3, while the Stars are now 2-3.

Also on Saturday, Jemimah Rodrigues posted an impressive half-century as Brisbane Heat piled more misery on the Adelaide Strikers in an eight-run win at the Gabba.

Rodrigues anchored the Heat's innings of 6-175 with 61 from 40 balls, belting seven fours and a six in her player-of-the-match performance.

Opener Grace Harris (33 from 22) and captain Jess Jonassen (32 from 21) also provided handy knocks.

In reply, Adelaide were reduced to 3-16 in the fourth over before Bridget Patterson (61 not out from 47) and Madeline Penna (59 not out from 30) threatened to pull off a remarkable fightback.

The unbeaten pair put on a 113-run stand for the fifth wicket - from just 62 balls - but weren't quite able to drag their side over the line.

The Strikers were ultimately limited to 4-167 and remain last on the table with a 1-4 record, while Brisbane (3-3) are right in the finals mix.