Heather Knight and Chamari Athapaththu Lead Thunder to Victory Over Hurricanes
Knight's innings was highlighted by her ability to find the boundary, including an explosive final surge where she hit 14 runs off the last three balls of the power surge bowled by Molly Strano. "It was really nice when you start a competition to hit the ground running and I thought 'Atta' was brilliant as well," Knight remarked, reflecting on their effective partnership.
Sydney Thunder secured a convincing 33-run victory against Hobart Hurricanes, thanks to stellar performances from England captain Heather Knight and Sri Lankan all-rounder Chamari Athapaththu. This match was a much-needed redemption for Thunder after their earlier defeat to the same team just days prior.
Batting first after rain delayed the start of the match at North Sydney Oval, Thunder posted a competitive total of 146 for 5 in a 17-over game. Knight was the standout performer, scoring 48 runs off just 28 balls, while Athapaththu contributed a solid 38 runs from 29 deliveries. Their partnership was crucial in setting up the innings, particularly in the latter stages, where Knight's aggressive batting during the power surge helped propel the score.
Knight's innings was highlighted by her ability to find the boundary, including an explosive final surge where she hit 14 runs off the last three balls of the power surge bowled by Molly Strano. "It was really nice when you start a competition to hit the ground running and I thought 'Atta' was brilliant as well," Knight remarked, reflecting on their effective partnership.
Athapaththu, who had previously faced disappointment with a first-ball duck in their last encounter, bounced back well. However, her innings came to an abrupt end when Strano executed a stunning one-handed diving catch off a powerful drive, showcasing exceptional athleticism.
In response, the Hurricanes started aggressively, with Lizelle Lee striking boundaries off the first two balls of their innings. Yet, the Thunder bowlers quickly seized control. Hannah Darlington was particularly effective, taking three wickets for just 16 runs in her spell. Her crucial breakthroughs included dismissing both Lee and Heather Graham, who had shown promise with a 31-run innings.
As the Hurricanes’ innings progressed, they struggled to maintain momentum. After an encouraging partnership between Graham and Elyse Villani that added 43 runs for the fourth wicket, the Thunder's bowlers struck back decisively. The Hurricanes lost their last five wickets for just 13 runs, crumbling to 113 for 8.
Darlington's impressive bowling display and Athapaththu's all-round contributions helped Thunder recover from their previous defeat and gain confidence as they look to build momentum in the WBBL season. With both Knight and Athapaththu finding form, Thunder will be looking forward to their next matches with optimism.
