Hobart: The Hobart Hurricanes underlined their status as the WBBL’s in form side after dismantling the Melbourne Stars by 81 runs via the DLS method in a top of the table clash at Bellerive Oval on Monday night.
A superb innings of 71 from Danni Wyatt Hodge, followed by a devastating spell of 5 for 16 from Molly Strano, powered the Hurricanes to another emphatic win, further cementing their No. 1 position on the league ladder.
The Hurricanes posted 176 for 4 in a rain shortened 17 over innings, setting a revised target of 180 for the Stars. The visitors never looked in contention and were bowled out for 98, ending their four match winning streak.
Wyatt Hodge Takes Lead in Golden Bat Race
Wyatt Hodge, who also grabbed three catches, overtook Meg Lanning in the Golden Bat standings after recording her fourth half century of the season. Her 47 ball knock included a measured start — just two runs from her first 11 deliveries — before she accelerated to dominate the innings.
“Sometimes you’ve just got to ride the wave,” Wyatt Hodge said after the match. “Lizzy [Lee] was going strong at the other end, so I stayed patient and kept my intent. Hopefully we keep this form going — the whole group is playing brilliantly.”
Lee Starts Fast, Stars Lose Momentum After Rain
Power hitter Lizelle Lee provided early firepower, but a 33 minute rain break halted the Hurricanes’ momentum. Soon after play resumed, Lee departed for 32, skying a chance to the deep.
Nat Sciver Brunt contributed 31 before falling to Danielle Gibson, while captain Elyse Villani was run out late in the innings as Hobart finished with a strong total despite the overs reduction.
Stars Collapse Under Pressure
The Stars’ reply faltered from the opening overs. Tail ender Sasha Moloney offered the only notable resistance with 31, as the top order was dismantled by disciplined bowling and sharp fielding from Hobart.
Nicola Carey struck first, trapping Rhys McKenna plumb in front for 1 with a swinging delivery. Spinner Linsey Smith (2 29) followed by bowling Meg Lanning for 9, and later removing Stars skipper Annabel Sutherland for 11.
Then came the decisive phase.
Strano Runs Through the Line Up
- Introduced into the attack with Stars already struggling, Strano triggered a collapse:
- Three wickets in her first over
- Four wickets in seven balls
- Moloney removed to complete her five for
Wyatt Hodge played a major role in the field as well, taking a spectacular left handed catch to dismiss Amy Jones (19), before also helping remove Kim Garth (3).
Strano’s precision and flight left the Stars batting in disarray, as Marizanne Kapp (0) and Danielle Gibson (1) also departed cheaply.
Hurricanes Continue to Set the Pace
The emphatic victory further enhances Hobart’s title credentials, with both their batting and bowling units firing collectively as the competition intensifies.
With Wyatt Hodge in Golden Bat winning form and Strano hitting peak rhythm, Hurricanes remain the team everyone else must catch.
