Cricket

Melbourne Renegades seal dramatic WBBL win after rare wicketkeeping error

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Nov 4, 2026, 23:30 IST

A rare wicketkeeping infringement by Lizelle Lee on the final ball handed the Melbourne Renegades a four-wicket victory over the Hobart Hurricanes, securing their first win of the WBBL|12 campaign.

Melbourne Renegades seal dramatic WBBL win after rare wicketkeeping error

The Melbourne Renegades secured their first victory of the WBBL|12 season in extraordinary fashion on Wednesday, defeating the Hobart Hurricanes by four wickets at Bellerive Oval. The match concluded with a rare officiating intervention after wicketkeeper Lizelle Lee was found to have collected the final delivery in front of the stumps, resulting in a no-ball that handed the visitors the winning run.

With the scores tied at 154 heading into the final ball, Renegades batter Deandra Dottin failed to make contact with a delivery from Nicola Carey. While both sides initially prepared for a Super Over, a review by the third umpire confirmed that Lee had breached Law 27.3, which requires the wicketkeeper to remain entirely behind the stumps until the ball passes the wicket or is struck by the batter. The resulting no-ball penalty provided the Renegades with the decisive run required to end the contest.

Late drama and fielding penalties

The final over was marked by significant tension, compounded by a penalty imposed on the Hurricanes for a slow over-rate. Due to the infringement, the hosts were restricted to having only two fielders outside the 30-yard circle for the final three deliveries of the match. This proved costly when Dottin edged the penultimate ball toward the deep third boundary; with the required fielder unavailable, the ball reached the rope for four, bringing the Renegades level with the Hurricanes' total.

Earlier in the day, the Hurricanes posted a total of 154/7. Captain Nicola Carey anchored the innings with a composed 62 off 43 balls in her 150th WBBL appearance, while Chinelle Henry provided a late surge with 36 runs from 18 deliveries. Henry’s contribution was tempered by a suspected hip injury that forced her to leave the field after bowling just one over. For the Renegades, captain Sophie Molineux spearheaded the bowling effort, claiming 4/22 to become the second player in franchise history to reach 100 WBBL wickets.

Renegades chase and final standings

The Renegades' pursuit was initially anchored by Hayley Matthews, who struck 59 off 44 balls, supported by Courtney Webb’s 29. Despite a strong start, the visitors endured a mid-innings collapse, losing five wickets for 37 runs as the Hurricanes fought back into the game. Heather Graham claimed the vital wicket of Matthews, while Molly Strano contributed with a sharp catch-and-bowl to dismiss Molineux.

The Renegades utilized the Power Surge to maintain their momentum during the final four overs, ultimately setting up the dramatic finish. The result leaves the Hurricanes winless after three matches, sitting at the bottom of the standings, while the Renegades celebrate their first points of the tournament.