The 25th match of the seventh edition of Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) was played between Hobart Hurricanes and Sydney Thunder at the Aurora Stadium in Launceston on Sunday.
Toss
Sydney Thunder won the toss and opted to bat first.
Playing XI
Hobart Hurricanes: Rachel Priest (c & wk), Ruth Johnston, Mignon du Preez, Nicola Carey, Richa Ghosh, Naomi Stalenberg, Molly Strano, Sasha Moloney, Tayla Vlaeminck, Belinda Vakarewa, Amy Smith
Sydney Thunder: Tahlia Wilson (wk), Smriti Mandhana, Phoebe Litchfield, Corinne Hall, Deepti Sharma, Sammy-Jo Johnson, Anika Learoyd, Hannah Darlington (c), Lauren Smith, Isabelle Wong, Samantha Bates
1st innings Sydney Thunder 146-6 in 20 overs
Batting first, Sydney Thunder posted a competitive total of 146-6 in 20 overs, riding on Smriti Mandhana’s elegant half century. The southpaw mustered run a ball 50, peppering the boundary rope five times as she hit four boundaries and a six during her innings. Phoebe Litchfield (31) and Deepti Sharma (20) were the other major contributors with the bat. For Hobart Hurricanes, right arm seamer Nicola Carey was the pick of the bowlers as she accounted for 2-36 in her four overs. Tayla Vlaeminck, Ruth Johnston and Amy Smith struck with one wicket apiece.
2nd innings Hobart Hurricanes 109-8 in 20 overs
In reply, Hobart Hurricanes put up a dismal show with the bat as they managed to score 109-8 in 20 overs, losing the match by 37 runs. The opening pair of Rachael Priest (0) and Ruth Johnston (7) failed yet again to provide a solid start to their team. The half centurion in the last match, Mignon du Preez, top scored with 41 off 39 balls, hitting two boundaries and a six. Carey scored 29 runs off 28 balls, also hitting two boundaries and a six. For Sydney Thunder, it was the right arm Deepti Sharna, who was the most successful bowler as she scalped 3-13 in her four overs. Skipper Hannah Darlington chipped in with two wickets, while Sammy-Jo Johnson and Isabelle Wong picked up one wicket each.
Player of the Match
Sydney Thunder’s Deepti Sharma won the player of the match for her brilliant all-round performance. The left hand bat scored 20 runs off 15 balls and picked up 3-13 in her four overs.
Next fixtures
Hobart Hurricanes will play against Sydney Sixers on November 3 at the WACA in Perth, while Sydney Thunder will lock horns against Brisbane Heat on November 7 at the Adelaide Oval.
Brief Score
Sydney Thunder 146-6 in 20 overs (S Mandhana 50; N Carey 2-36) beat Hobart Hurricanes 109-8 in 20 overs (M du Preez 41; D Sharma 3-13) by 37 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.