Melbourne Renegades beaten again despite Chamari Athapaththu knock

Athapaththu made an unbeaten 75 for Renegades but they were comfortably overhauled by Hobart Hurricanes

Hobart: Melbourne Renegades 133-5, Hobart Hurricanes 137-6 - Hobart Hurricanes win by four wickets

Scorecard

Melbourne Renegades remain rock-bottom of the Women's Big Bash table after suffering a sixth defeat in seven games, despite an unbeaten half century from Sri Lankan opener Chamari Athapaththu.

Signed to replace Harmanpreet Kaur after the India captain's late injury withdrawal from the competition, Athapaththu was yet to fire for Renegades, who have been in desperate need of her inspiration.

But she finished not out on 75 after Melbourne had been asked to bat first by Hobart Hurricanes, though only fellow overseas signing Hayley Matthews offered any real support as their total was ultimately overhauled comfortably.

They put together a 39-run opening stand, but momentum shifted after Maisy Gibson removed Matthews in the sixth over. Three balls later, Gibson picked up her second, catching Josie Dooley off her own bowling before Sophie Molineux fell in the next over to fellow Australia international Nicola Carey.

Gibson returned to the attack at the death to send Courtney Webb and Ellie Falconer on their way in consecutive deliveries as Athapaththu continued to fight a lone hand. Gibson finished with figures of 4 for 24.

^{Athapaththu made 75 not out for Renegades but she lacked support in her innings (Steve Bell/Getty Images)}

In reply, Hobart Hurricanes eased home by four wickets, with contributions scattered across the home side's top six.

Lizelle Lee and Elyse Villani both fell after making starts, with Rachel Trenaman anchoring the chase; she spent more than nine overs at the crease for her 19 off 28 balls, steadying the ship alongside Heather Graham (39*) after the wickets in successive overs of Villani and Mignon du Preez.

When Molineux finally accounted for Trenaman, the equation was such that only 31 were needed off 32 balls. A six-ball cameo from Ruth Johnston (15), including two fours and a six, meant the Hurricanes were able to secure the win with 11 balls remaining.

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