The clash between Victoria and South Australia Scorpions in the 29th match of the Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) 2025-26 at Adelaide on February 5, 2026, unfolded as a high-quality contest shaped by a commanding individual performance, smart partnerships, and a composed chase that ultimately swung the game decisively in South Australia’s favour. From the outset, the match carried an air of intensity, with both sides aware of the stakes in a tightly packed WNCL points table.
Victoria’s innings began on a cautious note as early pressure from the South Australian seamers brought movement and discipline. Ella Hayward fell early for 5 at 5.1 overs, followed soon by Sophie Molineux, who managed only 5 before being dismissed at 7.6 overs. With Victoria slipping to 2 for 35, the responsibility fell on Nicole Faltum and Annabel Sutherland to rebuild. The pair stitched together a steady partnership, absorbing pressure and rotating strike, before Faltum’s patient knock of 33 off 63 balls ended at 21.3 overs, leaving Victoria at 97 for 3.
What followed was the defining phase of the innings. Annabel Sutherland settled into a commanding rhythm, anchoring the innings with poise and authority. She found valuable support from Tess Flintoff, who contributed a measured 32 from 54 balls, the duo adding a crucial middle-order partnership that shifted momentum. After Flintoff’s dismissal at 38.4 overs with the score on 194 for 4, Sutherland continued to dominate, combining briefly with Olivia Henry (26) and later benefiting from late cameos by Zoe Samuel (14* off 6) and Milly Illingworth (8* off 4). Sutherland’s outstanding knock of 134 from 112 balls, laced with 16 fours and a six, powered Victoria to 285 for 7 in 50 overs, a total built on resilience and late acceleration.
South Australia’s bowling effort was shared, with Darcie Brown (2 for 46) and Jemma Barsby (2 for 62) striking at key moments. Megan Schutt (1 for 39) and Amanda-Jade Wellington (1 for 38) maintained control, while Madeline Penna (1 for 45) chipped in to ensure Victoria were kept in check despite Sutherland’s brilliance.
South Australia Scorpions began their chase with calm intent. Emma de Broughe set the tone with a fluent 82 off 87 balls, anchoring the innings beautifully. After Hollie Armitage’s early loss for 2, de Broughe found an ideal partner in Courtney Webb, whose 51 from 60 balls formed the backbone of South Australia’s recovery. Their partnership carried the score to 130 for 2 at 21.2 overs, firmly swinging momentum.
Even after Webb’s dismissal, South Australia never lost control. Madeline Penna stepped up with an aggressive 52 off 52 balls, combining effectively with de Broughe before the latter fell at 32.3 overs with the score on 194 for 3. The chase was expertly closed out by the experienced duo of Tahlia McGrath (43* off 43) and Bridget Patterson (43* off 33), whose unbeaten partnership ensured there were no late jitters. South Australia reached the target at 287 for 4 in 46.2 overs, sealing victory with 22 balls to spare.
Victoria’s bowlers fought hard without sustained rewards. Annabel Sutherland (1 for 42) and Sophie Molineux (1 for 60) picked up wickets, while Ella Hayward (1 for 39) and Milly Illingworth (1 for 20) contributed tidy spells. However, South Australia’s depth and composure proved decisive.
Fittingly, Annabel Sutherland was named Player of the Match for her magnificent all-round display, headlined by her superb century. The match stood out as another compelling chapter in the WNCL 2025–26, underlining South Australia Women’s consistency and Victoria Women’s reliance on individual brilliance in a season rich with competitive cricket and standout performances.
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