Lanning Leads from the Front as Melbourne Stars Claim Derby Win and Go Top of WBBL Table

Meg Lanning delivered a captain’s knock to lift the Melbourne Stars to the top of the WBBL table, guiding her side to a commanding 45-run victory over crosstown rivals Melbourne Renegades at Junction Oval on Saturday.

In bleak late-spring conditions, Lanning carried her bat for a superb unbeaten 73 off 58 balls, punishing the Renegades for a costly dropped chance when she was on 27. The Stars, who have now won four matches in a row, moved one point clear of Hobart Hurricanes ahead of their crucial clash on Monday.

Stars Dominate with the Bat

Lanning’s innings, featuring seven fours and a six, proved the backbone of the Stars’ total. The turning point came when Deandra Dottin grassed a simple chance at backward point off Sarah Coyte—an error that allowed Lanning to take full control of the innings.

Just moments earlier, a sharp stumping by Nicole Faltum had removed Amy Jones for 43, breaking a dangerous 62-run stand with Lanning.

Annabel Sutherland kept the momentum going with a brisk 27, including two consecutive sixes off Coyte, while Lanning added another six in the same over.

Renegades Falter Under Pressure

The Renegades, far from their title-winning form last season, struggled throughout—particularly in the field. Their batting effort also stumbled early, with Courtney Webb gifting a soft return catch to Marizanne Kapp after Georgia Prestwidge dropped Dottin on the very first ball.

Wickets continued to fall at regular intervals. A brilliant catch by Sasha Moloney removed Georgia Wareham for a first-ball duck, while Deandra Dottin and Nicole Faltum made starts but failed to kick on. Maisy Gibson was the standout bowler for the Stars, claiming 3 for 17 from just 2.3 overs.

Illingworth Shines for the Renegades

Milly Illingworth offered the lone bright spot for the Renegades, returning excellent figures of 3 for 19 from her four overs, helping to restrict further damage.

Stars Face Absences Ahead

Despite the win, the Stars will now be without key allrounder Marizanne Kapp due to South African international duties. The Renegades were already missing Sophie Molineux and will hope to regain stability as the season progresses.

With the derby win breaking a run of losses in Melbourne clashes, the Stars now look ahead to a top-of-the-table showdown against the Hurricanes—a match that could shape the season.