In a thrilling start to the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) season, teenage fast bowler Chloe Ainsworth showcased her extraordinary talent by claiming the prized wickets of Meg Lanning and Annabel Sutherland. Her remarkable performance propelled the Perth Scorchers to a hard-fought victory over the Melbourne Stars at the WACA Ground, setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting season of women’s cricket.
Chloe Ainsworth gets Meg Lanning and Annabelle Sutherland
The Scorchers opted to bowl first after winning the toss, a decision that proved pivotal as they restricted the Stars to a modest total of 109 runs. Ainsworth, just 19 years old, struck twice in quick succession during the fifth over, sending legendary Lanning back to the pavilion for just nine runs with a stunning inswinger. She followed up by dismissing Sutherland for a duck, leaving the Stars reeling early in their chase. Ainsworth’s ability to swing the ball effectively was instrumental in putting pressure on the opposition, and her performance earned her the Player of the Match accolade.
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Here’s the video:
❌ Meg Lanning
❌ Annabel SutherlandChloe Ainsworth removes two superstars of the sport with absolute SEEDS! #PlayOfTheDay #WBBL10 @hcltech pic.twitter.com/2DfzJvMSKv
— Weber Women’s Big Bash League (@WBBL) October 27, 2024
Ines McKeon: A future star on debut
While Ainsworth’s bowling set the stage for victory, it was fellow teenager Ines McKeon who provided a glimmer of hope for the Stars. Making her WBBL debut at just 17 years old, McKeon scored a commendable 50 runs off 43 balls, becoming one of the youngest players to achieve this milestone in WBBL history. Her innings included two powerful sixes and showcased her potential as a future star in women’s cricket. However, her dismissal by Alana King marked a turning point in the match as the Stars’ middle order collapsed dramatically.
Perth Scorchers’ bowling dominance
Alana King emerged as another key figure for the Scorchers, taking three wickets for just 20 runs. Her spell included crucial breakthroughs that halted any momentum the Stars were trying to build. The combination of Ainsworth and King effectively dismantled the Stars’ batting lineup, which crumbled under pressure, losing their last four wickets for a mere 14 runs. The Scorchers’ disciplined bowling attack and sharp fielding ensured that they defended their total of 122 successfully.
A disappointing display from Melbourne Stars
The Melbourne Stars’ batting display was lacklustre, with only two players reaching double figures. Apart from McKeon’s half-century, extras contributed significantly with 19 runs. The team struggled to build partnerships and succumbed to pressure from the Scorchers’ bowlers. Left-arm spinner Sophie Day was a bright spot for the Stars with her figures of 3-21 but could not salvage their innings.
Following their opening match of the season, both teams are set to continue their campaigns with upcoming matches. The Stars will face off against Sydney Sixers at North Sydney Oval, while the Scorchers will take on Melbourne Renegades at Junction Oval. With Ainsworth’s explosive performance and McKeon’s promising debut, fans can expect more thrilling encounters as this season of WBBL unfolds.
Also READ: WBBL 2024: Chloe Ainsworth steers Perth Scorchers to victory over Melbourne Stars in a low-scoring game
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.