Lanning's Milestone Masterclass in Adelaide
Former Australian captain Meg Lanning delivered a spectacular performance in her 100th Women's Big Bash League appearance, guiding Melbourne Stars to a commanding 16-run victory over Perth Scorchers in a rain-disrupted encounter at Karen Rolton Oval in Adelaide.
The match, played on Friday, saw Lanning overcome a slow start to finish unbeaten on 90 runs from just 55 deliveries, propelling the Stars to an imposing total of 4-173 from their allotted overs.
Scorchers' Chase Derailed by Clinical Bowling
Perth Scorchers faced a revised target of 95 runs from nine overs after a storm interruption, a adjustment that initially appeared to favour the chasing side. However, the Stars' bowling attack had other plans, systematically dismantling the Scorchers' batting lineup.
Kim Garth made the crucial early breakthrough, removing the dangerous Beth Mooney for 14 runs off just six balls with a clever slower delivery. Wickets continued to fall at regular intervals, with Annabel Sutherland clean bowling Sophie Devine to further stall the Scorchers' momentum.
The Perth team ultimately finished their chase at 8-78, with Sophie Day producing a remarkable spell of 3-7 from her single over to seal the victory for Melbourne.
Lanning's Redemption After Early Let-off
The Stars' innings was built around Lanning's commanding presence at the crease, though the veteran batter received a significant reprieve early in her knock. Dropped on 18 by Ebony Hoskin at short third man, Lanning made the Scorchers pay dearly for their missed opportunity.
After cruising to 35, the former Australian skipper exploded into action, smashing three boundaries and a six to reach her half-century from just 35 deliveries. She particularly targeted Sophie Devine's bowling, punishing the Scorchers veteran who finished with figures of 0-42.
Despite Lilly Mills claiming 2-22 in the death overs to restrict the flow of runs in the final stages, Lanning's dominant display had already put the game beyond Perth's reach.
"I couldn't get it off the square in the last two overs, fell off a cliff there," Lanning admitted after the match. "But I found my rhythm and it was nice to be able to go on with it."
The retired international star also reflected on her WBBL journey since the competition's inaugural season in 2015, recalling her debut against former tennis world number one Ash Barty.
"It's been an incredible competition," Lanning said. "I remember I played my first two games in one day, so it's come a long way."
The victory continues Melbourne Stars' strong form in the tournament, with Lanning coming off a brisk 60 in another rain-affected match earlier in the week.
In the second game of the Karen Rolton Oval double-header, Adelaide Strikers were scheduled to face Melbourne Renegades.
