Lanning, Sutherland lead Melbourne Stars to winning start

Meg Lanning and Annabel Sutherland were on fire as Melbourne Stars beat Hobart Hurricanes by 18 runs to kick off their WBBL season well.

In the second match of a season-opening double-header at Junction Oval on Thursday, Stars captain Lanning, who assumed the role this season after Sutherland stepped down, scored 71 runs from 52 balls and Sutherland added 57 runs from 35 balls to propel their team to 192 for 4. Lanning batted first. It was Stars' highest total against Hurricanes and at the venue.

Together with Sutherland, who struck five fours and a pair of sixes, Lanning put on 109 for the third wicket with her brilliant score of 10 boundaries.

Though they were able to put Stars in a strong position before both ultimately lost to Heather Graham lbw.

Lizelle Lee, a power hitter for the Hurricanes, responded by hitting six fours and three sixes in her 57-ball outing before losing to Kim Garth.

Charlie Dean, a former England spinner and former Stars captain, also excelled with the ball.

Lanning stated to Fox Cricket, "I thought Annabel Sutherland batted incredibly well." "It was nice to see her whack a few around at the back end, as we had to absorb some pressure early on.

"She's had an incredible year, and to see her play freely and demonstrate her skills shows that she is one of the best players in the world. Hopefully, this is only the beginning for her this year."