At Blacktown Olympic Park No 2 Oval in Sydney, on 23 October 2025, Perth Scorchers won the toss and decided to bat first against Brisbane Heat, looking to set a solid total in their group-stage clash of the T20 Spring Challenge 2025.
Their innings started promisingly after an early hiccup, losing Katie Mack for 8. Rebecca McGrath (15) and Mikayla Hinkley (37) stabilized the innings, pushing the total to 48. The Heat tightened their grip on the game during the middle overs as the Scorchers were reduced to 91/6 with Chloe Piparo (9), Ruby Strange (10) and Amy Edgar (0) falling cheaply.
Handy lower order runs from Maddy Darke (14*) and Lilly Mills (15) helped the Scorchers post 114 for 8 in their 20 overs. The Scorchers showed flashes of intent with their batting, particularly from the top and lower middle order, but regular wickets kept them from building a solid foundation for a big score.
Nicola Hancock was a standout for the Heat, bowling impressively with figures of 3 overs, 27 runs conceded, and 3 wickets taken. As the innings progressed, the Scorchers’ batting crumbled in parts. Charli Knott was outstanding for her 2/13 (4), while Lucy Hamilton, Filippa SueSee and Sienna Ginger bagged a wicket each.
Chasing 115 for victory, the Brisbane Heat Women took to the crease with a clear plan. They recognised that the target was achievable but knew the importance of maintaining wickets and managing the run-rate. Openers Knott (19) and Lucinda Bourke shared a 43-run stand, and Bourke was then joined by Ginger who was out scoring 8 runs. Bourke, paired with Annie O’Neil, guided the team to 88/3 (12.4) before being dismissed on 36(35).
From that point on, the Heat capitalised on their advantage. They exhibited poise under pressure, rotating the strike effectively and finding boundaries when necessary, ensuring the game didn’t slip away. Annie remained unbeaten on 35 (22) to close the game, alongside Mikayla Wrigley (9*). The Heat reached their target with a comfortable margin, winning by 7 wickets in only 16.3 overs.
Shay Manolini, Amy Edgar and Ebony Hoskin with a wicket each kept the Heat in the game, but they weren’t just enough runs on the board against a strong Heat batting lineup.
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