(Cricket news) Sydney Thunder's Thunder's chances of making it to the playoffs were officially shattered as they lost to the Melbourne Renegades by 4 runs. The Renegades return to the top of the table thanks to a brilliant all round performance by Harmanpreet Kaur.

After the Renegades were put into bat Jemimah Rodrigues walked in to open. Her stay was short as she was dismissed by Samantha Bates. The Renegades were 9/2 at the end of the 2nd over when Harmanpreet Kaur walked in. The Indian skipper continued her productive WBBL season by smashing an unbeaten 81. The innings consisted of 11 boundaries and 2 maximums off 55 balls. The Renegades set a target of 176.

Smriti Mandhana walked in to bat for the Thunder. Harmanpreet continued to show her brilliance by picking up the wicket of Sammy-Jo Johnson. Mandhana was the lone wolf in the big chase as wickets kept falling at the other end. She played one of the greatest knocks in WBBL history hitting 14 fours and 3 sixes in her unbeaten 114. Thunder needed 13 off the last over but Harmanpreet Kaur managed to defend it as Mandhana's innings went in vain.

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With their side out of contention for playoffs, Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma can concentrate on keeping their form going and getting confidence for the tour of New Zealand. The pair are an integral part of the Indian team and need to be in the best possible touch for the World Cup.

Melbourne Renegades on the other hand have already qualified for the playoffs. Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues have arguably been their best performers which is incredible news for India. Harmanpreet Kaur was always going to be in India's playing XI in the World Cup but Jemimah Rodrigues has made a case for herself. The Mumbai batter's recent performances has given Mithali Raj a much welcomed team selection headache.