The eleventh edition of the Women’s Big Bash League delivered a high-tempo clash at Karen Rolton Oval in Adelaide, where Adelaide Strikers Women secured a composed six-wicket victory over the Brisbane Heat Women. The result handed the Heat their sixth straight defeat of the season in as many matches, while the Strikers collected only their second win in their sixth match.
The Strikers won the toss and chose to bowl first. Brisbane Heat began with early intent through Charli Knott, who made 11 off 14 before falling to Wellington. Lauren Winfield-Hill then steadied and accelerated the innings with a well-crafted 47 off 36, striking six fours and a six. Captain Jess Jonassen contributed a controlled 37 off 35, guiding the middle phase and maintaining momentum.
Georgia Redmayne added a late spark with an unbeaten 36 off 20 at a strike rate of 180.00, while Nadine de Klerk unleashed a blistering 25 off 9, smashing four boundaries and a six to lift the Heat to a competitive 169/5 in 20 overs.
Amanda-Jade Wellington’s 2 for 31 and Sophie Ecclestone’s 2 for 36 proved crucial in containing the Heat’s buildup, while Jemma Barsby’s 1 for 13 from 2 overs added valuable control.
The Strikers’ chase began with outstanding fluency and dominance. Laura Wolvaardt produced one of her most polished innings of the season, scoring a superb 51 off 33 with 10 boundaries. At the other end, Tammy Beaumont matched her knock identically with 51 off 33, including seven fours and a six. Their commanding opening stand of 92 erased early pressure and placed the Strikers firmly ahead.
A brief stumble followed as Madeline Penna (8) and Tahlia McGrath (16) fell in quick succession, but the required rate remained under control due to the strong foundation. Bridget Patterson then guided the innings with a composed 32* off 22, ensuring stability in the closing overs, while Ellie Johnston finished the chase with an unbeaten 9.
Lucy Hamilton was the most effective bowler for the Heat with 2 for 32, supported by Knott (1/29) and Jonassen (1/36), though none could halt the Strikers’ momentum.
Adelaide reached 170/4 on the final ball, sealing a confident six-wicket win. For her clinical and chase-shaping innings, Laura Wolvaardt was named Player of the Match as the Strikers strengthened their position in the tournament and the Heat’s losing streak extended to a worrying sixth consecutive game.
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