Meg Lanning’s first game since announcing her retirement from international cricket has been overshadowed by a stunning Hannah Darlington spell which helped the Thunder jump back to the top of the WBBL standings.
The Stars skipper took a catch in the first innings but managed just 19 with the bat as the visitors failed to chase down the Thunder’s 125.
The stage was set for Lanning to produce a classic captain’s knock that we’ve seen so many times before from the international star, but she was sent packing after a successful review showed she edged the ball through to the keeper.
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It was an underwhelming way to go after such a momentous 24 hours for Lanning who had to watch on as her teammates crumbled in the chase to fall four runs short on a ground known for its huge scores.
The Stars gave themselves a chance needing nine off the final over, but young gun Milly Illingworth missed the final delivery when a boundary would have forced a super over.
HANNAH DARLINGTON’S HD MOMENT
You had to be a brave person to bet against the Stars after they skittled the Thunder for a score that seemed 50 runs below par, but Darlington delivered when it mattered most to snatch victory for the hosts.
Darlington has rocketed into contention for next month’s India tour after picking up career-best figures of 5-10, including an absolute peach of a ball to knock over Kim Garth to claim the second-best figures by a pace bowler in WBBL history.
It was a proud moment for Darlington during First Nations Round to help her side move one point clear at the top after their game on Thursday was washed out without a ball being bowled.
RHYS LIGHTNING
Rhys McKenna had been having a fairly quiet tournament, with the Stars all-rounder taking just the one wicket all the way back in the season opener against the Sixers.
But she had an absolute field day at North Sydney Oval, capturing career-best figures of 3-18 from her four overs including the huge wickets of international stars Chamari Athapaththu, Phoebe Litchfield and Marizanne Kapp.
She was well supported by Annabel Sutherland (3-22), while Sophie Day (4-35) became this season’s leading wicket-taker with three scalps in the final over as the Thunder were bowled out on the last ball of their innings.
— NCA NewsWire
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