The eleventh edition of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) delivered another tense finish at the Bellerive Oval, where the Hobart Hurricanes Women sealed their fourth consecutive win, edging out Adelaide Strikers Women by four wickets in a tight final-over chase. With this result, the Strikers slipped to their third loss of the ongoing edition, adding pressure to an already challenging campaign.
After choosing to field first, the Hurricanes produced a disciplined bowling effort to restrict the Strikers to a modest 134/7 in 20 overs. The visitors struggled for momentum early, losing Tammy Beaumont (6 off 12) cheaply, and despite brief rebuilds, they never fully broke free.
Bridget Patterson scored a composed 24 off 22, while skipper Tahlia McGrath chipped in with an energetic 21 off 16. The most impactful hand came from Amanda-Jade Wellington, whose late flourish of 33 off 21 lifted the total to something defendable. Heather Graham (2/23) and Nicola Carey (2/29) kept things particularly tight for the Hurricanes.
In reply, Hobart got off to a brisk start thanks to Lizelle Lee’s 12 off 12, but the innings truly belonged to Danni Wyatt-Hodge, who anchored the chase with a match-defining 72* off 57 balls, striking nine boundaries with effortless timing.
Her innings was equal parts control and aggression, ensuring the Hurricanes stayed ahead of the rate even when wickets fell around her. Brief cameos from Hayley Silver-Holmes (11* off 7) and Elyse Villani (15 off 10) ensured the Hurricanes maintained tempo through the middle overs.
The Strikers’ bowling attack kept fighting—Darcie Brown was electric with 4/16, ripping through the middle order with raw pace, while Wellington (1/24) offered support—but Wyatt-Hodge’s calm presence at the crease kept the Hurricanes in command. They eventually crossed the line in 19.4 overs, finishing at 136/6, sealing yet another composed victory.
With this win, the Hurricanes extend their unbeaten streak to four, emerging as one of the teams of the tournament, while the Strikers face mounting concerns with their third defeat of the season. Unsurprisingly, the day belonged to Danni Wyatt-Hodge, whose exceptional 72* earned her the Player of the Match award.
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