Jemimah Rodrigues & Smriti Mandhana Steal the Show; Smash Fifties in WBBL

By: WE Staff | Wednesday, 27 October 2021

Melbourne Renegades upset Sydney Thunder by nine runs in the Women's Big Bash League on Wednesday, with Jemimah Rodrigues stealing the show from her Indian teammate Smriti Mandhana.

The 21-year-old Rodrigues, a top-order batter for the Indian women’s team, slammed nine fours during her 56-ball 75 to power Melbourne to 142 for five.

Rodrigues, a top-order batter for the Indian women's team smashed nine fours in her 56-ball 75 to help Melbourne reach 142 for five.

Chasing the score, India's opener, Mandhana, hammered a 44-ball 64, studded with four smashes to the fence and one maximum, but it was in vain as Sydney were reduced to 133 for 8 in their 20 overs.

T20 captain Harmanpreet Kaur and spin all-rounder Deepti Sharma were two more Indians in the contest. They both took one wicket but were unable to add anything with the bat.

Harmanpreet, who had a seven-wicket effort in Melbourne Renegades' last encounter against Sydney Sixers, managed only three runs before being caught by Kate Peterson.

Deepti Sharma hit 23 from 10 balls, but it wasn't enough to get the Sydney Thunder across the finish line.

Deepti, 24, produced a 48-ball 44 and a one-for-28 in Sydney's previous encounter against Melbourne Stars, but it wasn't enough as Sydney lost by 12 runs.