Melbourne Renegades captain Sophie Molineux reached a major Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) milestone with a match-winning four-wicket haul against Hobart Hurricanes at Bellerive Oval on November 4, 2026. The Australian all-rounder became only the second bowler to claim 100 WBBL wickets for the Renegades, joining former teammate Molly Strano.
Molineux finished with figures of 4 for 22 as Melbourne restricted Hobart to 154 for 7 before securing a dramatic four-wicket victory on the final delivery. The result gave the Renegades their first win of WBBL 2026 after defeats in their opening two matches.
The performance was particularly significant for Molineux, who had gone wicketless in the first two games of the season. Her return to form helped Melbourne recover from a difficult start to their title defence.
Sophie Molineux Takes Four Wickets Against Hobart Hurricanes
After winning the toss and electing to bowl, Molineux immediately justified her decision by taking two wickets in her opening over.
Bowling the second over of the innings, the left-arm spinner dismissed Hobart wicketkeeper Lizelle Lee for 6 from six deliveries with the first ball of her spell. She then removed Rachel Trenaman for a two-ball duck, leaving the Hurricanes under early pressure.
Molineux maintained her control throughout the innings and returned to dismiss Heather Graham for 9 from 13 balls and Maddy Green for 17 from 16 deliveries.
She completed her four overs with figures of 4 for 22, providing the foundation for Melbourne’s disciplined bowling performance.
Despite those setbacks, Hobart captain Nicola Carey played a determined innings of 62 from 43 balls to keep her team competitive. Her contribution helped the Hurricanes reach 154 for 7 from their 20 overs, giving the hosts a total they could defend.
Molineux’s early breakthroughs prevented Hobart from establishing a stronger platform and proved crucial in a match ultimately decided on the final delivery.
Molineux Becomes Second Renegades Bowler With 100 WBBL Wickets
Molineux’s four-wicket performance took her career tally for Melbourne Renegades to 101 wickets, making her the second bowler in the franchise’s history to reach the 100-wicket milestone. Only Molly Strano, who now represents Hobart Hurricanes, had previously achieved the landmark for the Renegades.
Since making her WBBL debut for Melbourne against Hobart Hurricanes in Launceston on December 11, 2015, Molineux has developed into one of the franchise’s most reliable bowlers.
Following the Hobart match, her Renegades bowling record stood at 101 wickets in 110 innings across 115 appearances, at an average of 23.93 and an economy rate of 6.75.
The Australian spinner has also recorded five four-wicket hauls for the club, highlighting her ability to produce decisive spells in the shortest format.
Sophie Molineux’s WBBL Bowling Statistics
| Statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| WBBL matches for Melbourne Renegades | 115 |
| Bowling innings | 110 |
| Wickets | 101 |
| Bowling average | 23.93 |
| Economy rate | 6.75 |
| Four-wicket hauls | 5 |
| Best bowling figures | 4/17 |
| WBBL debut | December 11, 2015 |
Her best figures remain 4 for 17 against Perth Scorchers in Melbourne on November 2, 2024, when she helped Renegades secure a six-wicket victory.
Molineux’s most productive seasons came in WBBL 2018 and 2024, when she claimed 16 wickets in each campaign. Across those two editions, she collected 32 wickets in 21 bowling innings, including two four-wicket hauls.
Renegades Secure Dramatic Final-Ball Victory
Molineux’s bowling gave Melbourne a manageable target, but the chase became tense after Hayley Matthews’ 59 from 44 balls helped the Renegades reach 101 for 1 in the 13th over.
Hobart fought back through Heather Graham’s 3 for 24, while Molineux contributed 6 from four balls before falling to a spectacular one-handed caught-and-bowled dismissal by Molly Strano.
Melbourne needed five runs from the final three deliveries. After Hobart were penalised for a slow over rate, restricting them to two fielders outside the circle, Deandra Dottin edged the penultimate ball for four to level the scores.
Dottin missed the final delivery, seemingly forcing a Super Over. However, replays showed wicketkeeper Lizelle Lee had collected the ball in front of the stumps before it passed the wicket. The umpires called a no-ball, awarding Melbourne the winning run and sealing a four-wicket victory at 155 for 6.
Molineux’s Leadership and WBBL Success With Melbourne Renegades
Molineux’s latest achievement adds to her long association with Melbourne Renegades, a franchise she has represented since the WBBL’s inaugural season. Appointed captain in 2021, she went on to lead the team to its maiden WBBL championship in 2024.
The Renegades defeated Brisbane Heat by seven runs in the final in Melbourne, securing the first women’s Big Bash title in the club’s history.
Her contributions as both a bowler and captain have been central to the team’s development, particularly during its successful 2024 campaign.
The 2026 season, however, began with two disappointing results.
Melbourne lost their opening match to Sydney Thunder by six wickets at Junction Oval on October 29 before suffering a nine-wicket defeat against Perth Scorchers on October 31.
Molineux went wicketless in both encounters, making her four-wicket performance against Hobart an important personal and team breakthrough.
The victory also provided the defending champions with their first points of the campaign.
Melbourne Renegades Prepare to Face Adelaide Strikers
Melbourne Renegades will look to build on their first victory when they face Adelaide Strikers at Junction Oval on November 7 in the 13th match of WBBL 2026.
The contest against the side captained by Tahlia McGrath is scheduled to begin at 10:10 AM IST.
For Melbourne, Molineux’s return to wicket-taking form offers an encouraging sign as the team attempts to recover from its slow start.
Her milestone of 101 wickets also underlines her importance to the franchise, both as a long-serving player and as the captain who guided the Renegades to their first WBBL title.
With the team now back in the winners’ column, Molineux’s performance against Hobart could provide the momentum Melbourne need to strengthen their position in the tournament.
