WBBL|07: Sydney Thunder breaks losing streak as Meg Lanning’s form slump continues

The Sydney Thunder has shaken off its slow start to BBL|07 and recorded its first win of the tournament, at the Melbourne Stars’ expense.

After four straight losses, the Thunder has a win on the board. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

Australia captain Meg Lanning’s form continues to raise concern after the Sydney Thunder finally ended its winless streak.

In an attempt to turn around her fortunes, Lanning promoted herself up the order for the Melbourne Stars as they set out to chase the 134-run target set by the Thunder.

She had totalled just 75 runs batting at No. 3 heading into the match, so to give herself more time at the crease at Launceston’s UTAS Stadium Lanning opted to open alongside Elyse Villani.

The change of order made little difference as Lanning was knocked over by Sam Bates for just two runs and the Thunder went on to win its first match of the tournament.

“It’s just one of those where you need to fight through it,” said former South African star Morne Morkel.

“With big name players comes big responsibility and if you fail a couple of times, there’s always a target on your back. I’m sure she’ll know how to block the noise out with all her experience, but it’s just about getting one score on the board, finding that sort of flow, finding your rhythm.

“With her class, I’m sure she’ll find her way.”

Lanning has played over 100 T20Is for Australia. (Photo by Sarah Reed/Getty Images)

Annabel Sutherland soon followed her captain back to the sheds, but Villani and Maia Bouchier wrestled back control of the match.

That was, until, Bouchier (20) was trapped LBW by Bates and Sammy-Jo Johnson got the better of Villani (38).

Deepti Sharma then did the damage with the ball, picking up 3-25 as the Thunder wrapped up the win by 19 runs.

In the first innings, Tahlia Wilson hit her maiden WBBL half century as the Thunder reached 5-133.

The 22-year-old combined with teenager Phoebe Litchfield for an 81-run partnership to anchor the Thunder’s innings after the early departure of Indian opener Smriti Mandhana.

Wilson was given a life early in her innings after she was dropped by Lanning, while Litchfield fell one run short of what would have been her second WBBL half century.

Veteran Stars bowler Erin Osborne was the toughest for the Thunder to get away as she ended with figures of 2-23, but it didn’t match the all-round performance by the Thunder on the day.

Wilson’s half-ton was crucial. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

Thunder on the board

Six matches into the tournament and the defending champions finally have their first win. The breakthrough victory will come as a huge relief, particularly for young captain Hannah Darlington, who was handed the armband after veteran skipper Rachael Haynes pulled out of the tournament.

Black armbands

The WBBL joined in with the rest of Australian cricket to mourn the sad loss of legend Alan Davidson. Both the Thunder and Stars players wore black armbands in a mark of respect for one of cricket’s finest players, who died peacefully on Saturday at the age of 92

Originally published as WBBL|07: Sydney Thunder breaks losing streak as Meg Lanning’s form slump continues