Nottinghamshire’s Danielle Wyatt starred with bat and ball as Melbourne Renegades Women broke their Big Bash League duck with victory over Brisbane Heat.
The 24-year-old all-rounder took 4-13 to reduce the home side to 110 all out at the Gabba, before easing her side to the victory target with a composed unbeaten 28 off 21 deliveries.
The Heat had cruised to 87-2 prior to Wyatt’s introduction with Beth Mooney having raced to a half-century.
The in-form Australian international played a delivery from the England off-spinner onto her stumps for 50 to start the collapse.
The Stoke-on-Trent born twirler admitted she was surprised by the level of assistance the Gabba surface provided.
“Bowling them out for 110 was a great effort after they got off to such a good start,” she said.
“Our fielding was the best it’s been in our five games so far. We took our chances today and it’s true that catches win matches.
“We know we haven’t been good enough in the field until now and we can’t expect to win games by dropping the best players in the world three times.
“I actually got some turn and bounce at the Gabba,” Wyatt continued. “I just tried to bowl straight, bowl to my field and vary my pace, which is what I've done in the past when I've been successful.”
The Renegades opening duo of Rachel Priest and Dane van Niekerk eased any nerves by posting 53 in 8.1 overs.
There was still work to do when Wyatt took to the crease - and she opted to play a measured and progressively aggressive hand.
“You’ve just got to get in on wickets like that and pick up the singles because the fielders were quite deep in the ring, then start to hit the bad ball," said Wyatt.
“They bowled with a bit of width, so we just had to guide the ball and play to our strengths..
“Priesty and Dane got us off to a great start and really made the most of the first six.
“I came in with 35 needed to win at six-an-over, so it was a case of rotating the strike and getting myself in.
“I managed to hit a few boundaries and it was a great feeling seeing us over the line for the first time ever in the Big Bash.
“It was special sharing the moment with our skipper Sarah Elliott, even though I thought she’d forgotten about me while I was waiting for a bowl!
“I found out later that keeping my overs back until later was always part of the plan.”
The 2015 season has seen dramatic last-gasp four day victories, thrilling limited-overs contests and an historic Investec Ashes Test, all in the unique surroundings of Trent Bridge.
Next season, we’d wager, will be no less enthralling and frankly we’d hate for you to miss out.
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