The fourth match of the T20 Spring Challenge 2025 showcased Adelaide Strikers Women claiming a confident victory over Melbourne Stars Women by 7 wickets with 8 balls remaining in Sydney. After being asked to chase a target of 144, the Strikers paced their reply superbly, underlining their tournament credentials with composed batting and clinching the result without much fuss.
Meg Lanning led the Melbourne Stars to a total of 143 for 5 in their 20 overs. After early setbacks, Lanning’s outstanding knock of 70 runs off 51 balls, punctuated by nine boundaries, kept the innings together. The Stars finished with a competitive total thanks to a brilliant cameo from Sasha Moloney, who hammered 35* off just 22 balls at an aggressive strike rate.
There were ups and downs throughout the Stars’ innings. Wilson bowled Ines Mckeon for just two runs, resulting in her early dismissal. With Danielle Gibson and Indigo Noble walking back for 0 and 7, respectively, the middle order struggled to score runs. Georgia Prestwidge (17 off 10) and Ella Hayward (7* off 12) provided late sparks, but the Stars were held back by consistent wickets.
For the Strikers, Eleanor Larosa and Madeline Penna starred in the later stages, picking up two wickets between them and stemming the flow of runs. Larosa was particularly effective, taking 2 for 23 from her 2 overs, while Penna was tight and economical over her 4 overs. Wilson and Barsby also picked a wicket apiece as the Strikers made regular inroads into the Stars’ batting line-up.
Adelaide Strikers, who were chasing 144, composed their response maturely. The Strikers were strong, with contributions from both the top and middle order, although Hayward took the first wicket. Larosa maintained the momentum with 33* off 26 balls, hitting 4 boundaries, while Madeline Penna played a match-winning hand, remaining unbeaten on 48 off 38 balls. Their partnership was essential to securing the victory in the second half of the chase.
The Strikers had a strong start earlier thanks to opener Ellie Johnston (36 off 20), while Bridget Patterson, the skipper, was dismissed for 9. By working singles and waiting patiently for loose deliveries to punish, Penna made sure the chase didn’t stall. Larosa’s upbeat demeanor kept the bowlers at bay and the necessary rate under control.
Moloney was the standout bowler for the Melbourne Stars, taking 2 for 25 in her entire quota as they did their best to stop the run. Although Day was frugal, giving up just 23 runs in her four overs, the Stars’ attack ultimately failed to break the tenacious Penna-Larosa partnership. It was difficult to defend the total because they were unable to take wickets after the eleventh over.
The Adelaide Strikers easily exceeded the required rate as they finished their chase at 144 for 3 in 18.4 overs. The Strikers players celebrated after Larosa’s boundary sealed the victory, and Penna was rightfully named Player of the Match for her all-around effort and undefeated knock.
Strikers appeared ready for a strong tournament run after this victory, which moved them up in the standings. Before their next game, the Stars will try to regroup and improve their middle-order batting and death-overs bowling, despite Lanning and Moloney’s bursts of genius. The match once again demonstrated the depth and competitiveness of women’s cricket that are evident at the T20 Spring Challenge.
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