Adelaide Strikers secured a convincing 30-run victory over Perth Scorchers in Match 32 of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 2024, played at the Karen Rolton Oval. A clinical all-round performance, led by fast bowler Megan Schutt, ensured the Strikers gain two crucial points.
Adelaide Strikers sets a formidable target
Winning the toss and opting to bowl, the Perth Scorchers faced a commanding batting performance from the Strikers. Openers Smriti Mandhana and Katie Mack laid a solid foundation with identical contributions of 41 runs. Mandhana’s knock came off 29 balls and included five fours and a six, while Mack displayed finesse with six boundaries in her 34-ball innings.
The momentum was carried forward by Laura Wolvaardt, who top-scored with a scintillating 48 off 28 balls, striking three fours and as many sixes. Tahlia McGrath (18 off 15) and Bridget Patterson (14 off 8) provided quick-fire contributions in the middle overs, helping the Strikers post a competitive total of 169/6 in their 20 overs.
Alana King was the standout bowler for the Scorchers, picking up three wickets for 29 runs in her four overs. Sophie Devine also impressed, claiming two wickets for 28 runs.
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Perth Scorchers falter in the chase
Chasing 170, the Scorchers’ innings began on a shaky note as opener Maddy Darke departed for a duck. Skipper Beth Mooney (6 off 7) and Dayalan Hemalatha (10 off 9) failed to build momentum. Sophie Devine (35 off 31) tried to anchor the innings, but the pressure of a steep target weighed heavily on the Scorchers.
Brooke Halliday played a valiant knock of 47 off 44 balls, hitting six boundaries, while Alana King contributed a brisk 29* off 19 balls in the lower order. However, the lack of partnerships and consistent breakthroughs from the Strikers’ bowlers derailed the Scorchers’ chase as they were restricted for 139/8.
Schutt delivered a match-winning performance with the ball, claiming 3/19 in her four overs. Anesu Mushangwe (2/35) and Amanda Wellington (2/26) provided excellent support, stifling the Scorchers’ batters with disciplined bowling.
Megan Schutt wins Player of the match for her brilliant bowling performance 🥇#women #cricket #WBBL10 #MeganSchutt #CricketTwitter #WomenCricket pic.twitter.com/nYcvN5l3uv
— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) November 19, 2024
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
