Record-Setting Performances Light Up WBBL Action at North Sydney Oval

In a thrilling day of Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) action at North Sydney Oval, standout performances from Georgia Voll and Rhys McKenna highlighted two dominant victories for their respective teams, setting records along the way.

Thunder's Historic Win Against Strikers

In the first match of the day, Sydney Thunder secured their most significant victory in WBBL history with a 64-run triumph over the Adelaide Strikers, posting a total of 212 for 5. Georgia Voll, in only her third match for the Thunder since moving from Brisbane Heat, shone brightly with a spectacular 92 runs off just 55 balls. Her innings included three sixes and 12 boundaries, propelling Thunder to their highest total ever.

Voll’s explosive knock came after Thunder found themselves in a precarious position, having slumped to 59 for 5 at one stage. Partnering with Chamari Athapaththu, she built a 54-run opening stand before teaming up with Phoebe Litchfield to forge a dominant 96-run partnership in just 52 balls. Litchfield contributed a valuable 49 runs, utilizing her creative strokeplay, which included scoops and reverse sweeps, to further pile on the runs.

Despite her impressive innings, Voll fell just short of her maiden century, caught while attempting a scoop shot off Orla Prendergast. However, her contribution set the stage for a robust performance by Thunder, who eclipsed their previous high of 204 runs.

On the bowling front, Sam Bates was instrumental, claiming career-best figures of 4 for 21 as the Strikers crumbled to 148 all out. The Thunder's win marked their second victory in three matches this season, while the defending champions, the Strikers, now find themselves at 1-2.

Stars Shine in the Rain Against Sixers

In the second match of the day, the Melbourne Stars triumphed over the Sydney Sixers by 32 runs using the DLS method after rain curtailed the game. Meg Lanning delivered a masterclass with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 58 runs, while Rhys McKenna announced her arrival as a WBBL star with a blistering 52 off just 22 balls.

The pair combined for a record-breaking partnership, adding 104 runs in just 43 balls, which marked the fastest century stand in WBBL history. At the halfway mark, the Stars were at 68 for 2, but Lanning and McKenna shifted gears dramatically, taking the Stars to 195 for 4. The duo scored 127 runs in the final 10 overs, showcasing a flurry of aggressive batting, including three sixes from McKenna, one of which was a stunning square drive off Ellyse Perry.

As the rain interrupted the match, the Sixers’ response fell short at 56 for 4, with Alyssa Healy dismissed for just 4 on her return from injury, leaving Katie Mack as the top scorer with 31 runs. The rain ultimately sealed a 32-run win for the Stars, allowing them to maintain momentum in the competition.

This remarkable day of WBBL cricket at North Sydney Oval showcased the talent of emerging stars like Georgia Voll and Rhys McKenna, while also affirming the presence of seasoned players such as Meg Lanning. Both matches set new benchmarks in the league's history, providing fans with thrilling displays of batting prowess and strategic gameplay.