Adelaide Strikers’ journey in Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 11 has been a rollercoaster of missed opportunities so far. After a washed-out opener, they sparked hope with a dominant 7-wicket victory over the Renegades, suggesting a strong campaign ahead. However, that momentum has since stalled.
Consecutive defeats, a heartbreaking DLS loss to the Scorchers followed by a tight 4-wicket defeat to the Hurricanes have left them sitting sixth on the ladder. With only three points from four outings, the Strikers will be eager to shake off this recent slump and rediscover the winning formula in the upcoming encounter against the Scorchers, scheduled for November 22, starting at 3:20 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Darcie Brown
Brown has been a strike weapon for the Strikers, claiming 64 wickets across 56 WBBL matches, with an impressive economy rate of just 6.25 and a strike rate of 18.8. Her form in WBBL 11 has been headline-grabbing, particularly her recent heroics against the Hurricanes where she claimed a stunning 4/16, which notably stands as her best bowling figures. She has also returned solid spells against the Renegades (2/24), Scorchers (1/20) and the Stars (1/33) cementing her status as the leader of the Strikers’ attack this season.
Amanda-Jade Wellington
A true veteran of the competition with 146 matches, Wellington is a prolific wicket-taker, boasting 161 wickets with remarkable best figures of 5/8 and a solid economy of 6.73. Unlike many specialist bowlers, she is also a genuine threat with the bat, accumulating 716 runs at an impressive strike rate of 131.13. In WBBL 11, she has showcased this all-round value; while consistent with the ball (taking 2/20 vs the Stars and 1/22 vs the Renegades), her standout performance was arguably with the bat against the Hurricanes, where she scored a fighting 33* to go with her 1/24.
Laura Wolvaardt
Laura Wolvaardt has been a picture of consistency in the WBBL, amassing 1926 runs across 95 matches for two franchises. Averaging 25.34 with 9 half-centuries, she is known for her elegant stroke play rather than brute force. Her form in WBBL 11 has been defined by a singular match-winning performance against the Renegades, where she scored a brilliant 71*. That knock was incredibly close to her career-best score of 75* and anchored the team’s only win. While she fell cheaply against the Scorchers (4) and Hurricanes (16), her ability to carry her bat remains vital for the Strikers’ batting lineup.
Adelaide Strikers have found their rhythm and will look to build on their momentum. If Laura Wolvaardt anchors the innings with her trademark elegance, Darcie Brown rattles the opposition with her raw pace, and Amanda-Jade Wellington spins a web through the middle overs, the Strikers will be well-placed to secure back-to-back victories.
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