WBBL 2021: Match 2, MR-W vs HB-W Match Prediction – Who will win today’s WBBL match?

Preview

Melbourne Renegades and Hobart Hurricanes are set to cross swords in Match No.2 of the 2021 WBBL on Saturday, October 16 at Bellerive Oval in Hobart. The Renegades, led by Sophie Molineux, failed to qualify beyond the first round in the previous season after finishing at seventh in the table.

They have bolstered their batting as Harmanpreet Kaur, Evelyn Jones and Jemimah Rodrigues have joined them. The Hurricanes, on the other hand, have roped in Mignon du Preez, who has been a prolific run-scorer. Rachel Priest, their leading run-scorer last season, will be leading the team.

Richa Ghosh is also set for her maiden WBBL stint after doing well for Team India in their tour of Australia. Tayla Vlaeminck bowled with venom in the series against the Women and Blue. The Hurricanes finished at the bottom of the points table last season and need to make some amends.

Match Details

Match – Melbourne Renegades Women vs Hobart Hurricanes Women – Match 2

Venue – Bellerive Oval, Hobart

Time – 10:10 AM IST, 04:40 AM GMT

Where to watch live – Sony Sports Network, Sony LIV

Pitch Report

The pitch in Hobart was an excellent one for batting in the first game where the teams scored at around 9.5 runs per over. Since the next game will be played under natural lights, the scores may come down a bit. Chasing should remain the way forward.

Avg first innings score: 180 (1 match in the WBBL 2021 at Hobart)

Record of chasing teams: Won – 1, Lost – 0, Tied – 0

Probable Playing XIs

Melbourne Renegades Women

Evelyn Jones, Sophie Molineux (C), Jemimah Rodrigues, Courtney Webb, Harmanpreet Kaur, Makinley Blows, Josephine Dooley (wk), Elly Hayward, Carly Leeson, Georgia Wareham, Holly Ferling

Bench: Jess Duffin, Ellie Falconer, Poppy Gardner, Rhiann O’Donnell

Hobart Hurricanes Women

Rachel Priest (C and WK), Sasha Mooloney, Rachael Trenaman, Mignon du Preez, Richa Ghosh, Naomi Stalenberg, Nicola Carey, Molly Strano, Tayla Vlaeminck, Amy Smith, Belinda Vakarewa

Bench: Ruth Johnston, Chloe Rafferty, Angelina Genford Maisy Gibson

Head-to-Head

Overall

Played – 12 | Melbourne Renegades Women – 5 | Hobart Hurricanes Women – 7 | N/R – 0

In Hobart

Played – 2 | Melbourne Renegades Women – 1 | Hobart Hurricanes Women – 1 | N/R – 0

Probable best batter of the match

Rachel Priest— Hobart Hurricanes

Rachel Priest was a shining light for the Hurricanes in the previous edition of the WBBL. The right-hander was the leading run-scorer for her team, having notched 354 runs at an average of 35.40 and a strike rate of 118. Although she scored two ducks, Priest made up for it with two half-centuries. Priest needs to be on top of her game against the Renegades.

Probable best bowler of the match

Sophie Molineux– Melbourne Renegades

Sophie Molineux has been a crucial part of the Renegades in the WBBL. She bats at the top of the order and is a handy left-arm spinner as well. In the previous edition, the tweaker accounted for 11 scalps at an economy rate of seven. In the T20I series against India, Molineux picked up three wickets. She is expected to play a critical role for her team.

Today’s match prediction: The team, batting second to win the match.

Disclaimer: This prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.