In an all-to-play-for knockout clash of the 2024 Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) at Drummoyne Oval, the Hobart Hurricanes faced the hosts, Sydney Thunder, with both teams vying for a spot in the Challenger to keep their finals hopes alive. However, the Hurricanes’ innings was quickly derailed by Ruth Johnston’s bizarre dismissal. Scroll down to watch the snippet of Johnston’s wicket.
Winning the toss and opting to bat first, the Hurricanes’ opening partnership of 13 runs between Ruth Johnston and Lizelle Lee came to an unusual end when Shabnim Ismail produced an early breakthrough. Johnston, attempting to pull Ismail’s short delivery, got a leading edge that went nowhere. Before she could get back into her crease, the ball bounced twice and lightly clipped the stumps, just enough to dislodge a bail, forcing Johnston to depart.
The Hurricanes’ innings failed to gather momentum as they lost wickets in quick succession, collapsing to 4/47 at the halfway mark. However, a late recovery, led by skipper Elyse Villani’s unbeaten fifty, aided by contributions from the middle order, helped the Hurricanes post a modest total of 126/6 in their 20 overs. For the Thunder, Taneale Peschel and Chamari Athapaththu claimed two wickets each.
The Thunder, in reply, suffered an early setback with the dismissal of in-form Georgia Voll for a duck. However, Chamari Athapaththu and Tahlia Wilson steadied the innings with a 36-run stand. Another crucial 26-run partnership between Chamari and skipper Phoebe Litchfield further strengthened their hold on the game. Litchfield’s 36-ball 46, combined with Anika Learoyd’s 23* (24) deliveries, ensured the Thunder secured a comfortable 6-wicket win and a spot in the Challenger against the Brisbane Heat, scheduled for November 29, 1:45 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).
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