The stage was set at Blacktown Olympic Park No. 2 Oval in Sydney as Adelaide Strikers Women faced off against Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Meteors Women in Match 7 of the T20 Spring Challenge 2025. After winning the toss, ACT Meteors made the decision to bat first, aiming to put pressure on the Strikers by setting a target.
From the start, the Meteors showcased their intent and skill. Captain Carly Leeson led the way with a strong performance, scoring 46 runs off 36 balls, which included 7 boundaries. She received good support from Rachel Carroll, who contributed 23 runs off 17 balls, helping to build momentum in the middle overs.
Although their total of 126 for 8 in 20 overs wasn’t very strong, it was still a competitive target in what turned out to be a closely contested T20 match. For Adelaide Strikers, Isabella Malgioglio and Amanda-Jade Wellington were the pick of the bowlers with two wickets each, while Anesu Mushangwe, Ella Wilson and Jemma Barsby bagged one each.
The Strikers in reply had a rocky start with openers Ellie Johnston (4) and Bridget Patterson (4) walking back with only 10 on the board. However, Madeline Penna led the fightback, scoring 55* (58) and received support from Elizabeth Worthley (10), Eleanor Larosa (24) and Amanda-Jade Wellington (16*) but the acceleration wasn’t enough as the Strikers feel agonizingly short by 7 runs, finishing on 119/4.
The lower order made a strong push towards the end, and the Strikers were very much in the game as they approached the final overs. However, early mistakes and an inability to maintain a higher run rate proved costly. On the bowling side, ACT’s Holly Ferling, Gabriella Suticliffe, Grace Dignam, and Carly Leeson were all economical, also bagged a wicket each, putting pressure on the Strikers and preventing them from forming the big partnerships they needed.
The Australian Capital Territory Meteors triumphed over Adelaide Strikers Women by 7 runs (126 vs. 119) at Blacktown Olympic Park No 2 Oval, thanks to a solid all-round effort from Carly Leeson and disciplined bowling. The Strikers fought hard in their chase but ultimately fell just short.
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