Adelaide Strikers won their first-ever WBBL title defeating Sydney Sixers in a close-fought finish played at North Sydney Oval, Sydney on 26 November 2022.
Adelaide Strikers captain Tahlia McGrath won the toss and decided to bat first. Katie Mack looked in great touch along while Laura Wolvaardt struggled against disciplined Sixers bowling. At the end of the first four overs, Wolvaardt and Mack made 26 for 0.
Wolvaardt struggle came to an end as she was dismissed by Peterson and caught by Cheatle. Mack and Wolvaardt added 51 runs for the opening wicket. Katie Mack could not control hitting onto her wicket dismissed by Sophie Ecclestone.
The captain Tahlia McGrath showed intent on putting pressure on Sixers bowlers. Bolton grabbed the wicket of Strikers captain McGrath caught by Bates. McGrath and Dottin added 44 runs for 3rd wicket. Strikers took the power surge in the 15th over. Sixers’ bowlers kept a tight lid giving away 7 runs and grabbing 2 wickets.
Deandra Dottin showed her big-hitting skills with 14 runs over against Peterson. Dottin reached her fifty off 37 balls with a boundary on the final delivery. Thanks to his unbeaten 52, Adelaide Strikers posted 147 for 5 in 20 overs. Tegan McPharlin gave good support taking singles. McPharlin and Dottin added unbeaten 35 runs for the 5th wicket.
Adelaide Strikers bowlers kept it tight not allowing Sixers openers to score runs easily. At the end of the first 4 overs, Sixers scored just 13 runs for a loss of 1 wicket.
Special stuff!
Savour it, @StrikersBBL 💙 #WBBL08 pic.twitter.com/nSqJQ5bQQ1
— Weber Women's Big Bash League (@WBBL) November 26, 2022
Darice Brown and Deandra Dottin rattled the Sydney Sixers’ top order. Brown got rid of Healy and while Dottin dismissed Bates and Gardner. Barbsy dismissed Burns to leave Sydney Sixers in big trouble. Nicole Bolton and captain Perry steadied the ship. Striker’s captain Tahlia McGrath produced the magic dismissing Bolton. Bolton and Perry added 60 runs for the 5th wicket.
Darice Brown shattered the stumps of Perry to leave the Sixers in massive trouble. Sophie Ecclestone and Matalian Brown took a power surge in the 16th over. The Sixers made 20 runs for the loss of 1 wicket.
Megan Schutt got the breakthrough dismissing Ecclestone. With 23 runs required off 6 deliveries, Brown provided some entertainment, but it was not enough as Adelaide Strikers won the match by 10 runs.
For her unbeaten 52 off 37 balls and 2 for 30 in 4 overs, Deandra Dottin was named player of the match. Ash Gardner was named the player of the series award for 339 runs and 23 wickets.
Journey of Adelaide Strikers in WBBL 8
Adelaide Strikers had a decent outing in the league stage with 17 points including 8 wins and 5 losses. They defeated Brisbane Heat during a Challenger match played at Karen Rolton Oval, Adelaide on 24 November.
Strikers looked impressive with the likes of Dottin and Laura Wolvaardt in their squad. Adelaide Strikers reached the finals of last year’s edition but lost to Perth Scorchers by 12 runs. They also qualified for the grand finale during WBBL 5 losing to Brisbane Heats.
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