Playing XI of Sydney Thunder – Rachael Haynes, Rachel Priest (wk), Naomi Stalenberg, Alex Blackwell (c), Stafanie Taylor, Nicola Carey, Maisy Gibson, Lisa Griffith, Samantha Bates, Rene Farrell, Belinda Vakarewa
Playing XI of Brisbane Heat – Grace Harris, Beth Mooney (wk), Sammy-Jo Johnson, Kirby Short (c), Jess Jonassen, Josephine Dooley, Laura Harris, Laura Wolvaardt, Delissa Kimmince, Jemma Barsby, Haidee Birkett
Toss – Won by Sydney Thunder Women and elected to bowl first
1st Innings Summary – Table toppers Sydney Thunder Women invited Brisbane Heat to bat first. Batting side made 38runs in the mandatory batting powerplay but lost both of its openers in the process. Also, skipper Kirby Short could not do much and got out for a duck on the first ball of 7th over. But Sammy-Jo Johnson played her natural game, got a good start and was playing good shots before getting caught out in 11th over. Laura Harris hit some good shots in death overs to add useful runs to the team’s score.
2nd Innings Summary – Chasing a modest total in a high pressure game, Sydney Thunder lost in-form opener Rachael Haynes with just one run on the scoreboard. On the other hand, after having a forgettable outing in the tournament so far, opener Rachel Priest found her form back just at the right time in the most crucial match and made 44runs hitting five 4s and two 6s before getting out in 9th over. After that, captain Alex Blackwell and Stafanie Taylor built up vital partnership between them and helped the team reach the 100run mark in 16.1 overs. Grace Harris broke this partnership and filled up more life into the match. Jemma Barsby’s double strike in the 19th over proved to be game-changer. Needing 13runs to win, Sydney Thunder lower order managed to make eight runs in five balls and needed a four to draw and a six to win the thriller. Jess Jonassen trapped the batter and got her catch out as Brisbane Heat Women became the finalist of WBBL04.
Player of the match – Sammy-Jo Johnson for yet another piece of excellent all-round performance with bat and ball. She played 33 runs innings including two 4s and two 6s and was the most economical bowler for her team with figures 4-0-12-1
Brief scorecard:
Brisbane Heat Women – 140/7 (20 overs)
Sydney Thunder Women – 136/7 (20 overs)
Result – Brisbane Heat Women won by 4 runs
‘Gully’ cricket player and close observer of Indian Cricket team and it’s matches. Straight forward and still socially admirable personality. Strong belief in teamwork and possess high leadership skills.