All-round Matthews leads Melbourne Renegades to maiden WBBL title
Brisbane Heat captain Jess Jonassen did her best to keep the chase alive after rain but there was too much to do
Brisbane Heat captain Jess Jonassen did her best to keep the chase alive after rain but there was too much to do
Scorer: Chandan Duorah | Commentator: Vishal Dikshit
5pm Molineux has the trophy all by herself for a few seconds before her team-mates rush on the stage and take over the celebrations. Molineux calls the support staff also on stage. There are smiles, hugs and high fives all over as the stadium is painted red. We will have a Player of the Tournament as well, I'm told, and that's all from us today, me and Gnasher. It was a lot of fun bringing the live coverage of this tournament and the final to you, hope you had as much fun too. No doubt, having a new WBBL champion added to it. Alex Malcolm's report is here, in case you missed any of the action. That's it then, have a good Sunday and stay safe. Ciao!
Sophie Molineux, the winning captain: Pure elation, it hasn't quite sunk it. Plenty of highs and a lot of lows. There have been plenty of people supporting us, good to get some smiles on their faces. It didn't go to plan initially, but we didn't panic. We knew deep down we had the quality so we just had to level. Our coaches were magnificent and told us not to panic. It's a real honour to captain this team, it means so much to me. There are so many good people in there, doing endless work and look after us. It does mean a lot. Firstly, to Jonno, congratulations on a great season. To sustain for such a long period of time. to all the people behind the scenes at the Renegdes, you work day in and day out to make things work, we're lucky to have you around. Thanks to everyone for turning out, hopefully more girls will pick up the bat and ball. And lastly, thank you to the girls, what a ride it's been.
It's time for the medals for the Renegades players, handed out by some young girls who get the championship cap in return from the players.
Jess Jonassen: First of all thanks to the crowd for coming out, I know you're out to support Renegades but that's not the point. This support is for women's cricket. Secondly, congratulations to the Renegades, you thoroughly deserve it. Girls and all the support staff, it's been a hell of a season. I know it didn't happen this season, but keep your heads up, keep sticking together and let's bring it home next season.
Hayley Matthews the Player of the final: Felt like I wanted to spend some time at the crease today, we felt 140 would be par. The team did a great job to bat around me. It's massive, so many of the girls have been around from WBBL 1, everyone really deserves it. It's really hard to look past the contributions, like of coach Helmot. This shows a lot of character in the group, everyone was hungry at the start of the season.
4.45pm What a season for the Melbourne Renegades. They don't have a single players among the top five scorers or top three wicket-takers of this season; shows they weren't over-reliant on a few individuals and what a team effort it was. Hayley Matthews, always stepping up in the final, be it the 2016 T20 World Cup final, the WCPL final 2023, the Firebreak final also in 2023, and now the WBBL final. No wonder she's the Player of the final
Nicole Faltum: It's amazing, an incredible crowd here. I'm incredibly proud of this group. When you are energetic and taking the game on, you hope the fun comes. It's massive for this team. Sophie Molineux is an incredible human being
Georgia Wareham: this one's pretty special after the ups and downs. I'm so proud of this team. It's unbelievable.
Simon Helmot: The girls are fantastic, it was a high-pressure game. to finish last last season and win this season is just fantastic. Molineux, Wareham, Matthews - their care and leadership for the other players. We stuck to the process, we got some new players and just tried to have a good time. I've been with the Renegades for 14 years now with men and women and never won a championship. Here it is now
4.32pm Jess Jonassen is in tears, someone give her a hug! What a season she has had, but what a turnaround from the Renegades. Sophie Molineux has a wide smile as she walks across the outfield to hug her team-mates and the celebrations have begun. Coach Simon Helmot can't stop smiling as there are hugs all around him. The Renegades finished bottom last season and here they are, the new WBBL champions, led by their captain from the front, right until the last per of the tournament. The have the 'champions' cap on now
Hypocaust: "A valiant effort form Jonassen, but Melbourne Renegades are worthy winners of a maiden WBBL title. Frequently found their way to competitive totals from situations others couldn't, and their standout attack took more wickets than any other side. Had the best balance in terms of batting and bowling quality. "
Tom: "I know you've probably been inundated with comments along these lines, but it is farcical that a final in a major competition doesn't use all the time available to avoid losing overs. No wonder cricket fans get so frustrated with the laws, no common sense is ever used. The integrity of this match has been severely compromised."
14 required off the last ball
They need extras now, it's 15 needed from two. No emotions yet from Molineux
Two singles to start with, 17 from four now
Hancock's eyes are as big as a football
We're down to the last over then to decide a winner. 19 runs, six balls, the captain Jonassen on strike and her counterpart Molineux will bowl the last. It's down to the two captains then. The commentator says an additional fielder must come in the circle because of slow over rate. Molineux goes around and keeps three on the leg side at the rope. Let's go!
Brisbane Heat captain Jess Jonassen did her best to keep the chase alive after rain but there was too much to do
Coming through trials and tribulations, Renegades pulled off a remarkable comeback to claim their maiden title
Renegades have produced a terrific turnaround between seasons while Heat are aiming to become the first team to win three titles