Meg Lanning’s masterclass guided Melbourne Stars to a commanding 45-run win over Melbourne Renegades in a one-sided WBBL derby at Junction Oval.
Lanning carried her bat, scoring 73* off 58 balls, punishing the Renegades after a costly dropped catch early in her innings. Her seven fours and a six proved pivotal as Stars posted 160 for 5, supported by Amy Jones’ 43 before her stumping ended a dangerous 62-run partnership.
Renegades never recovered, slumping to 115 all out with Maisy Gibson taking 3 for 17. Milly Illingworth was the standout for the visitors, claiming 3 for 19, but fielding lapses, including a missed chance by Deandra Dottin off Lanning, proved decisive.
Stars’ victory secured their first derby win in four attempts, propelling them to the top of the WBBL table, one point ahead of Hobart Hurricanes. Key absences, Sophie Molineux for Renegades and Marizanne Kapp leaving Stars for South African duties shaped the contest.
The win sets up a high-stakes clash on Monday when Stars travel to Hobart to face the Hurricanes, with Lanning in sparkling form and the Stars brimming with confidence.
