Melbourne Renegades allrounder Georgia Wareham has been named the Player of the Tournament in the Women’s Big Bash League season 11 after a stunning allround display. The 26-year-old leg spinner topped the charts with 19 wickets and 277 runs, beating out stars like Meg Lanning by just one vote in a tight race.
Wareham’s Road to the Top Award
Wareham stepped up in a big way this season. She led the Renegades in four matches as captain while regular skipper Sophie Molineux dealt with leg problems. Her efforts helped keep the team competitive, even if they missed the playoffs.
Fans and experts praised her growth. Wareham had shown flashes of brilliance in past seasons, but this year she turned those into consistent match winning shows. She won three Player of the Match awards during the tournament.
Her batting strike rate hit 147.34, a personal best. That speed helped chase down targets and build innings under pressure.
Breaking Down Her Bowling Dominance
Wareham claimed the BKT Golden Arm for most wickets. She took 19 scalps at an average of 10.94 and an economy rate of 5.47, the best among all bowlers.
Key highlights include:
- A spell of 3 for 21 against Sydney Sixers, holding them to a low total.
- 3 for 12 in another game, showing her control and spin variety.
- Consistent pressure on batters, with no game where she went wicketless.
These numbers show why umpires voted her highly. She mixed leg breaks with googlies to outfox opponents.
In one standout match against Perth Scorchers, she took 1 for 25 and scored 43 runs. That allround effort earned her votes even in a loss.
Batting Heroics That Turned Games
Wareham’s bat did plenty of talking too. She scored 277 runs in nine innings, making her the fourth highest run scorer in WBBL 11.
Her top knocks included:
- 58 off 32 balls against Sydney Thunder, with powerful hitting.
- An unbeaten 49 from 29 balls versus Sydney Sixers, sealing a six wicket win.
- Quick 41 off 26 in another chase, boosting her team’s chances.
These innings often came at crucial times. She batted in the middle order but delivered like a top order star.
Wareham’s strike rate and boundary hitting stood out. She smashed multiple fours and sixes in key games, exciting crowds and teammates.
How the Voting Worked Out
The Player of the Tournament award comes from votes by standing umpires after each match. They give 3, 2, and 1 votes to the top performers.
Here’s the top five in the voting:
| Rank | Player | Team | Votes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Georgia Wareham | Melbourne Renegades | 25 |
| 2 | Meg Lanning | Melbourne Stars | 24 |
| 3 | Sophie Devine | Perth Scorchers | 22 |
| 4 | Danni Wyatt-Hodge | Hobart Hurricanes | 22 |
| 5 | Beth Mooney | Perth Scorchers | 20 |
Wareham edged Lanning by a single vote. This close finish highlights the even competition across the league.
Devine and Wyatt-Hodge tied for third, showing strong overseas impact. Mooney rounded out the list with her reliable keeping and batting.
Impact on Her Career and Team
This award marks a peak for Wareham. At 26, she has overcome injuries and now shines as a complete allrounder. Her form could boost her chances in Australia’s national team selections.
For the Renegades, Wareham’s season offered hope. They finished fourth but needed other results to make finals. Her leadership and play inspired younger players.
Experts say her allround skills make her a hot pick for future leagues. Teams like Royal Challengers Bangalore have shown interest in her past, and this performance will raise her value.
What’s Next for Wareham and WBBL
Wareham plans to build on this success. She might feature in upcoming international series or other T20 leagues. Her confidence is high after this breakthrough.
The WBBL finals are underway, with teams like Brisbane Heat and others vying for the title. Wareham’s award adds to the league’s excitement, drawing more fans to women’s cricket.
As the sport grows, players like Wareham push boundaries. Her story motivates aspiring cricketers worldwide.
Share your thoughts on Wareham’s season in the comments below. Did she deserve the top spot? Let us know and spread the word about this rising star.
