Adelaide Strikers return to the top
2023.12.02
Adelaide Strikers land back-to-back WBBL titles after riveting heist
Adelaide Strikers defended a 125-run total to earn its second consecutive title with the narrowest win in a Women’s Big Bash League final over Brisbane Heat on Saturday.
The reigning champion Adelaide Strikers defeated Brisbane Heat by three runs in the WBBL 2023–24 final on Saturday at the Adelaide Oval to win a record-tying second Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) title.
After winning the toss, the Strikers chose to bat first and amassed 125 for five thanks to big blows from captain Tahlia McGrath (38), Laura Wolvaardt (39) and others.
In its third WBBL final, the Heat started the chase off strongly until the Strikers made a comeback in the middle overs. The Heat were down four at 62 after McGrath dismissed Mignon du Preez and Laura Harris off consecutive deliveries.WBBL 2023
Before Strikers seamer Megan Schutt removed Knott on 20, Amelia Kerr and Charli Knott put up a 34-run partnership for the fifth wicket. In the last over, Schutt gave up seven runs but came back to dismiss Heat skipper Jess Jonassen with 20 needed off 12 deliveries.
Leg-spinner Amanda-Jade Wellington made history in the WBBL final by taking two wickets in the penultimate over, with Mikayla Hinkley hitting a six. This was the closest victory ever.
Following Brisbane and the Sydney Sixers, the Strikers are the third club to successfully defend the WBBL crown. They are now the fourth team to win two titles.
Final score
Adelaide Strikers 125/5 in 20 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 39, Tahlia McGrath 38; Nicola Hancock 3-23) beat Brisbane Heat 122/8 in 20 overs (Amelia Kerr 30, Georgia Redmayne 22; Amanda-Jade Wellington 3-16, Tahlia McGrath 2-16, Megan Schutt 2-30) by three runs
@charith
