Big win moves 'Gades into top four

Melbourne Renegades continued their recent form surge after defeating the Brisbane Heat by 25 runs to storm into the Rebel WBBL top four.

Contending with a slow pitch and sluggish outfield, the Renegades did well to compile 3-143 at Harrup Park in Mackay before knocking the Heat over for 118 in 18.5 overs.

Star allrounder Sophie Molineux top-scored with 50 before snaring 2-23, finishing off the home side when she had Sune Luus stumped to raise the Renegades' fourth successive victory.

"Out there with the bat it was pretty hard work, there wasn't a lot of boundaries scored," Molineux said.

"We thought 140 was the equivalent to 160-170.

"That was backed up beautifully by the bowlers."

Molineux batted patiently before she was run out following a mix-up in the 14th over after putting on 92 for the opening wicket with England's Danni Wyatt to establish a neat platform for the Renegades.

Wyatt (45) was sent packing thanks to a wonderful diving catch from Heat skipper Kirby Short before Renegades captain Amy Satterthwaite (23no) and Jess Duffin (15no) slashed 38 off 23 balls for the fourth wicket to lift the visitors' total.

Fast bowler Leah Tahuhu ripped through the Heat's top order, sending the stumps of Grace Harris and Short splattering and finishing with 3-13 from four fiery overs.

Beth Mooney returned to form with an impressive 44 off just 31 balls but when she fell to crafty seamer Maitlan Brown (3-17) and the asking rate continued to climb, it was always going to be a tall order for the Heat.