Teenage sensation Lucy Hamilton made history in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), delivering a record-breaking performance to propel Brisbane Heat to a crucial six-wicket victory over the Melbourne Stars on Sunday. The 18-year-old claimed the second-best figures in the competition’s history, taking an incredible 5 for 8 at the Drummoyne Oval in Sydney.
A Record-Breaking Feat
Skipping schoolies’ week celebrations to represent her team, Hamilton became the youngest player in WBBL history to claim a five-wicket haul. Her figures equaled the record for the second-best in WBBL history, sitting alongside Amanda-Jade Wellington’s two 5-for-8 performances, and trailing only Megan Schutt’s 6 for 19.
Hamilton’s heroics dismantled the Stars’ batting lineup, restricting them to 138 all out. The left-arm pacer’s historic spell included the prized scalps of Annabel Sutherland, Yastika Bhatia, and Meg Lanning, showcasing her composure and skill on the big stage.
Hamilton’s Stunning Performance
Hamilton, who entered the match without a single wicket in her eight-game WBBL career, struck gold after weeks of hard work and perseverance:
- 1st Over Magic: Removed both Annabel Sutherland (21) and Yastika Bhatia with precise deliveries that left the batters stunned.
- Meg Lanning’s Fall: Dismissed the Australian skipper with a sharp delivery, forcing her to edge a wide half-volley to the keeper.
- Middle-Order Breakthroughs: Claimed the wickets of Tess Flintoff and Deepti Sharma, the latter trapped lbw to complete her five-wicket haul.
Hamilton’s feat also marked the first-ever five-wicket haul by a Brisbane Heat bowler in WBBL history.
“Unreal Moment” for the Young Star
Fresh off her QCE exams in Bundaberg, Hamilton expressed disbelief and excitement about her achievement.
“All my mates are at schoolies on the Goldy living it up,” she said. “Getting my first wicket and then a 5-fa—it’s something I’ll never forget. The girls were amazing, getting around me, and I was just trying to back myself.”
The teenager’s journey to success has been unique, often involving a five-hour commute from Bundaberg to Brisbane for matches and training. Hamilton now plans to relocate to Brisbane to further hone her skills and work on standing the seam upright to generate more swing.
Jemimah Rodrigues and Charlie Knott Shine in the Chase
After Hamilton’s stellar bowling, Brisbane Heat’s batters ensured a smooth chase. Jemimah Rodrigues led the way with an impressive 45 off 31 balls, including two towering sixes and five boundaries. Charlie Knott provided crucial support as Heat reached the target with 15 balls to spare, securing their third consecutive win.
Implications for the Teams
The win moves Brisbane Heat to third place on the WBBL table, solidifying their chances of making the playoffs. For the Melbourne Stars, the loss leaves them with just two wins from seven matches, putting their campaign on the brink of elimination.
A Star in the Making
Lucy Hamilton’s remarkable performance not only rewrote the record books but also marked her as a rising star in Australian cricket. With her composure and skill, the teenager has shown that the future of women’s cricket is in safe hands.