Match 49: Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne Stars.
Blackwell back to form helps Sydney Thunder to win over Stars by 18 runs at Canberra on Wednesday.
Winning the toss, Stars opted to bowl on a decent wicket which assisted the batters.
Opener Priest was knocked out after a quick 12 by young 18 years old Sutherland. In came the senior pro-Blackwell as the Thunder made some changes in the batting line up. The senior batter from New South Wales was back to her best with an excellent knock of 65 runs in 47 balls including 7 fours and 1 sixes. She got good support from Stalenberg who scored 30 runs.
With the departure of Stalenberg, the other batters did not spend much time at the crease, even the skipper Haynes got out soon for 13, she continued to have a bad season with the bat.
Single-handedly the senior pro took the total till 162 for 6 in 20 overs. With the ball, it was Anna Sutherland who impressed again with 2 wickets.
Chasing the target of 163, the opening duo failed again with Lee departed for a duck. Incame the pocket dynamo Dupreez replacing her countrymate Lee. She along with the skipper Villani had a decent partnership of 78 runs which built a solid foundation for the chase. Villani scored 43 runs before she was dismissed by Farrell. Sutherland who came in next departed soon in a mixup with Du Preez. Later, Osborne joined Du Preez, the responsibility of the chase was on the two experienced batters. Sadly, they failed to take their team home in a crucial situation, Mignon Dupreez dismissed on 55 by the spinner Bates. In the end, Osborne had too much to chase and Stars ended up on 144 for 5 losing by 18 runs. With the ball, it was Farrell and Bates who did well with wickets and economic spell.
This is the 10th defeat of the season for Stars. Seriously, they are facing a tough time this season.
Brief Scores: Thunder 162 for 6 in 20 overs ( Blackwell 65 & Sutherland 2 for 31) defeated Stars 144 for 5 in 20 overs ( Du preez 55 & Farrell 2 for 28) by 18 runs.
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