WBBL08 match preview: Melbourne Renegades v Melbourne Stars

Key match-ups, analysis, form, team news, weather forecast, tickets, TV and streaming information, odds, predictions and more ahead of the latest encounter in the 2022 Weber WBBL

What's the match?

Melbourne Renegades take on Melbourne Stars in match 22 of the WBBL; the eighth edition of the tournament.

When is it taking place?

The game is scheduled to start at 2pm local time (4am BST) on Saturday, October 29.

Where is the match being played?

The Eastern Oval in Ballarat is set to stage this match.

Who's got the form?

Both the Stars and the Renegades have had a tough start to the tournament. Melbourne Stars find themself winless at the bottom of the table and the Renegades are seventh, with one win from four games. This local derby is an important game for both sides if they are going to make the knockout stages.

Individuals have stood up and and looked in good form but both teams will be looking for a solid team performance to climb the table. Lauren Winfield-Hill scored an impressive 74 off 51 balls in the Stars' opening game while Annabel Sutherland has looked dangerous with the ball in the middle overs.

For the Renegades, Sophie Molineux has done well with both bat and ball, and Hayley Matthews has made some enterprising cameos. They will hope that the introduction of Sri Lanka captain Chamari Atapattu will change their fortunes.

^{Lauren Winfield-Hill has shown flashes of form for Melbourne Stars [Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images]}

What's the key match-up?

Hayley Matthews has shown signs of brilliance but has not yet kicked on to make a big total. It will be interesting to see if she takes a few balls to settle in or attacks from the start.

Atapattu is likely to be playing her first game of the tournament and will have to quickly get used to Australian conditions to make an impact for her side.

A good match-up will be how Winfield-Hill deals with Shabnim Ismail in the powerplay. Ismail has looked dangerous at times, taking four wickets across the tournament.

What's the weather forecast?

The weather is forecasted to be light rain with temperatures around 12 degrees Celsius.

What is the team news?

16-year old Hasrat Gill comes into the Stars squad while Atapattu should be in line for her first appearance.

For Melbourne Renegades, wicketkeeper-batter Josie Dooley is included in the squad despite pulling out of their most recent match with a hip injury.

^{Chamari Atapattu is in line for her first outing for the Renegades [Alex Davidson/Getty Images]}

What are the squads?

Melbourne Renegades: Sophie Molineux, Sarah Coyte, Josie Dooley, Ellie Falconer, Ella Hayward, Shabnim Ismail, Harmanpreet Kaur (injured, partially replaced by Eve Jones, permanently replaced by Chamari Atapattu), Carly Leeson, Hayley Matthews, Rhiann O’Donnell, Tayla Vlaeminck, Georgia Wareham, Courtney Webb, Georgia Prestwidge, Erica Kershaw

Melbourne Stars: Meg Lanning (unavailable - personal reasons), Alice Capsey, Lucy Cripps, Sophie Day, Nicole Faltum (c), Tess Flintoff, Kim Garth, Rhys McKenna, Sasha Moloney, Sophie Reid, Jemimah Rodrigues, Annabel Sutherland, Lauren Winfield-Hill, Hasrat Gill, Olivia Henry

What are the possible starting XIs?

Melbourne Renegades: Sophie Molineux, Hayley Matthews, Chamari Atapattu, Josie Dooley, Courtney Webb, Carly Leeson, Ellie Falconer, Sarah Coyte, Georgia Prestwidge, Ella Hayward, Shabnim Ismail

Melbourne Stars: Jemimah Rodrigues, Lauren Winfield-Hill, Alice Capsey, Sophie Reid, Annabel Sutherland, Nicole Faltum, Sasha Moloney, Tess Flintoff, Rhys McKenna, Sophie Day, Kim Garth

What are the odds?

Melbourne Renegades are slight favorites at 4/6. The bookies have Melbourne Stars to win at 6/5.

What's the prediction?

Melbourne Renegades look likely to win this derby, especially given the arrival of Atapattu.

Are tickets available?

Yes. Tickets are priced at $10 for adults and free for children (under 17 years) and can be purchased on Ticketek.

Where can I watch the game?

Sky Sports holds the UK rights for the WBBL. This game will be shown on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event from 9am (BST).

In Australia, fans will be able to watch all 59 matches in the WBBL live and free on either the Seven Network or cricket.com.au

A total of 24 games will be televised on free-to-air on Seven and simulcast on Foxtel and Kayo, while the remaining 35 games will be shown on Foxtel and Kayo Sports and also live-streamed for free on cricket.com.au.

Subscribe to The Cricketer for exclusive content every day: The inside track on England's Test tour with George Dobell in Pakistan, award-winning analysis, breaking news and interviews and the only place for in-depth county coverage all year round. Plus: An ad-free app experience at your fingertips. Subscribe to thecricketer.com today for just £1.