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In the 24th match of the Women’s Big Bash League 2024 (WBBL), Perth Scorchers secured an emphatic 74-run victory over table-toppers Sydney Thunder in a bowlers-dominated clash at Drummoyne Oval. Sophie Devine’s brilliant leadership and Scorcher’s clinical bowling performance helped them climb to second place in the points table.
Perth Scorchers sets a competitive total
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Scorchers posted a competitive 171 for the loss of 7 wickets in their 20 overs. Captain Devine led the charge with a sparkling 48 off 34 balls, featuring six fours and a towering six. Dayalan Hemalatha provided crucial support with a brisk 41 off 26 deliveries, smashing 4 fours and a six.
Despite contributions from the top order, the Scorchers were pegged back by Thunder bowlers especially Shabnim Ismail who took 2 wickets in her four overs of spell and Chamari Athapaththu who also claimed 2 scalps.
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Scorchers’ bowlers dominate with a collective effort
Chasing 172, Sydney Thunder struggled to find momentum against a disciplined Scorchers bowling attack. Captain Phoebe Litchfield top-scored with a valiant 27 off 22 balls, but the rest of the batting lineup faltered under relentless pressure. Perth Scorchers’ bowlers hunted in packs, with all six bowlers taking wickets.
Scorchers’ bowlers were clinical especially Amy Louise Edgar who was the standout bowler, claiming 3 wickets in her 3.3 overs, while Ebony Hoskin bowled a miserly spell, conceding just 10 runs and picking up two wickets in her three overs at a remarkable economy rate of 3.30.
19-year-old Chloe Ainsworth impressed with her medium fast bowling, taking 2 wickets in her four overs and earned the Player of the Match award. Thunder were eventually bundled out for 97 in 19.3 overs, falling well short of the target. This dominant performance by the Scorchers not only handed the Thunder their second defeat of the season but also bolstered their own playoff ambitions.
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
