In a thrilling encounter at Adelaide Oval, the Adelaide Strikers secured a convincing 38-run victory over Hobart Hurricanes in Match 29 of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 2024. Adelaide Strikers’ decision to bat first after winning the toss set the tone for a competitive game, with the Hurricanes ultimately falling short in their chase. Notably, it was Strikers’ first win in the season.

Madeline Penna takes Adelaide Strikers to a respectable total

Adelaide Strikers posted a total of 140/7 in their allotted 20 overs. Despite a shaky start, with key players like Smriti Mandhana (6) and Katie Mack (6) failing to get going, it was the middle order that anchored the innings. Laura Wolvaardt (18) and Tahlia McGrath (6) struggled, but it was the scintillating 60-run knock from Madeline Penna off just 40 balls, which featured 6 fours and 2 sixes, that propelled the Strikers to a defendable total. Amanda Wellington contributed a valuable 18 runs from 16 balls, helping to stabilize the innings after a few setbacks.

Hobart Hurricanes’ bowling effort

Hobart Hurricanes’ bowlers fought hard, with Amy Smith being the standout performer. Smith claimed 3 wickets for just 18 runs in her 4-over spell, dismantling the Strikers’ middle order. Kathryn Bryce also impressed, taking 2 wickets for 32 runs in her 4 overs. Molly Strano (1/22) and Lauren Smith (0/7) were economical, but despite the bowlers’ efforts, the Hurricanes couldn’t limit the Strikers to a lower score.

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Tahlia McGrath wreaks havoc with the ball

Chasing 141, Hobart Hurricanes got off to a poor start. Lizelle Lee (8) and Suzie Bates (15) were early casualties, and despite a resilient 44-run knock from Elyse Villani, the Hurricanes struggled to build partnerships. Nicola Carey (18) and Heather Graham (1) fell cheaply, and a collapse ensued as the Hurricanes lost wickets regularly. McGrath’s exceptional bowling, where she took 4 wickets for just 13 runs in 3.2 overs, dismantled the tail. Anesu Mushangwe and Megan Schutt also contributed with 2 wickets each, as the Hurricanes were bowled out for a mere 102 runs in 15.2 overs.

The Strikers’ bowlers put up an outstanding performance, with McGrath leading the charge. Schutt (2/14) was her usual economical self, while Orla Prendergast (1/17) and Wellington (1/25) supported well. Anesu Mushangwe (2/18) was also impressive, and together, they restricted the Hurricanes to a modest total, sealing the 38-run win for the Strikers.

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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