Australian bowler and Brisbane Heat captain, Jess Jonassen who became the second woman to take 100 wickets in Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) just a couple of weeks ago, has added another feather to her cap as she played her 100th match for the team today, November 14. Thus, becoming the first player in the history of WBBL to reach the mark. Interestingly, Jonassen hasn’t missed a game for the Heats since their inaugural match in 2015.
A Report by Herald Sun shares Jonassen’s reaction to her achievement in which she says, “It’s crazy to think that’s been 100 games already and feels like yesterday that the competition started”.
“I think the things that stand out for most for me are our first title, and obviously going back-to-back … those couple of years were really special.”
The milestone is definitely a moment of pride for the left-arm spinner who is an occasional batter as well, but it could have been a perfect day of celebration for her had the team won against Adelaide Strikers. Having chosen to bat first, the Heat were restricted to a total of 94 for 7 wickets in their 20 overs by the Strikers who went to achieve the target easily with 8 wickets and 22 balls to spare. Striker’s Katie Mack was adjudged as the player of the match for her unbeaten 54 off 48 deliveries which included 8 boundaries. However, there wasn’t much to worry about for the Heats as the points table is concerned as they continue to be at the second position with 15 points from their 12 matches. While the Strikers are positioned at fourth with 13 points.
Jess Jonassen – the heart and soul of the @HeatBBL.
The first player in our seven-year history to reach 100 games – and they’ve all been in teal!
You’re a star, @JJonassen21 ⭐ #WBBL07 pic.twitter.com/Zm5Iv5aGy8
— Weber Women’s Big Bash League (@WBBL) November 13, 2021
What’s more exciting is a number of players are set to reach the same milestone in the coming days. The next on the card is the ICC T20 Batting ranking top spot holder, Australia’s wicket-keeper batter Beth Mooney who is a former player of Brisbane Heat and plays for Perth Scorchers since 2020. Mooney achieves the 100-match feat this Wednesday when the Scorchers play against Adelaide Strikers.
Congratulations Jess Jonassen for the achievement!! Hope to see many more as the league progresses.
Loves all things female cricket