The 14th match of the seventh edition of Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) was played between Adelaide Strikers and Brisbane Heat at the Invermay Park in Launceston Hobart on Sunday.
Toss
Adelaide Strikers won the toss and opted to bowl first.
Playing XI
Adelaide Strikers: Dane van Niekerk, Katie Mack, Laura Wolvaardt, Tahlia McGrath (c), Bridget Patterson, Madeline Penna, Amanda Wellington, Tegan McPharlin (wk), Sarah Coyte, Jemma Barsby, Darcie Brown
Brisbane Heat: Grace Harris, Georgia Redmayne (wk), Georgia Voll, Jess Jonassen (c), Anne Bosch, Laura Kimmince, Mikayla Hinkley, Ellie Johnston, Georgia Prestwidge, Nicola Hancock, Poonam Yadav
1st innings Brisbane Heat 104-5 in 11 overs
Batting first, Brisbane Heat posted 104-5 in 11 overs. It was a rain-curtailed match as the outfield was wet. Middle-order bat Georgia Voll top scored with an unbeaten 31 off just 17 balls, including two boundaries and as many sixes. At the start, the opening pair of Grace Harris (16) and Georgia Redmayne (28) provided a healthy start as they put together 35 runs in just 2.5 overs. For Adelaide Strikers, their opening bowler Darcie Brown was the pick of the bowlers as she picked up 3-289 in her three overs. The right arm seamer was supported well by Sarah Coyte, who struck with two wickets.
2nd innings Adelaide Strikers 99-4 in 11 overs
In reply, Adelaide Strikers scored 99-4 in 11 overs, losing the match by just five runs. The opening pair of Dane van Niekerk (24 runs off 22 balls) and Laura Wolvaardt stitched a 68-run partnership. The South African duo played some breathtaking shots during their partnership. Wolvaardt plundered a magnificent 54 off just 30 balls, hitting five boundaries and three sixes. Apart a solid opening partnership, the middle order failed to capitalize on the start as Tahlia McGrath (0) and Madeline Penna (2) were out cheaply. For Brisbane Heat, skipper Jess Jonassen and Georgia Prestwide scalped two wickets apiece.
Player of the Match
Adelaide Strikers’ Laura Wolvaardt won the player of the match for her stellar inning of 54, which came off just 30 balls (4s: 5, 6: 3).
Next fixtures
Adelaide Strikers will play against Perth Scorchers on October 30 at the Lilca Hill Park in Perth, while Brisbane Heat will lock horns against Hobart Hurricanes on October 26 at the Aurora Stadium in Launceston.
Brief Score
Brisbane Heat 104-5 in 11 overs (G Voll 31 not out; D Brown 3-28) beat Adelaide Strikers 99-4 in 11 overs (L Wolvaardt 54; G Prestwidge 2-24, J Jonassen 2-17) by 5 runs.
I am a former cricketer having represented Mumbai University at All India University level. I was a part of MCA probables for the U-19 and U-23 age group. I have been an avid cricket writer for the last five years. Currently I am pursuing my Ph.D from IIT Bombay.