Sydney Thunder Defeat Brisbane Heat by 19 Runs in WBBL Showdown
Heat's best bowler was Jess Jonassen, who took 3 for 22 from her four overs. Shikha Pandey was economical, but the rest of the Heat attack, particularly Grace Parsons and Nadine de Klerk, were put to the sword by Thunder's powerful batting lineup.
Sydney Thunder secured a 19-run victory over Brisbane Heat at the WACA Ground, thanks to an outstanding all-round performance from Heather Knight and Sam Bates. The win maintained Thunder's strong start to the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) season.
Batting first, Thunder posted a competitive total of 170 for 5, with Knight's unbeaten 59*, supported by solid contributions from Phoebe Litchfield (40) and Chamari Athapaththu. The Thunder's innings was given an early boost by a rapid 52-run opening partnership between Athapaththu and Litchfield, who both hit seven boundaries. Knight took charge in the latter stages, anchoring the innings as Heat's bowlers struggled to contain the Thunder batters.
Heat's best bowler was Jess Jonassen, who took 3 for 22 from her four overs. Shikha Pandey was economical, but the rest of the Heat attack, particularly Grace Parsons and Nadine de Klerk, were put to the sword by Thunder's powerful batting lineup.
In response, Heat needed a fast start, and they got one from Grace Harris, who was fortunate to survive multiple close calls early in her knock. She was on 5 when a Bates delivery appeared to glove through to the keeper, but the appeal was turned down, and Thunder opted not to review. Harris also benefited from two more drops, but was eventually dismissed for 41 after being caught on the boundary off a Taneale Peschel delivery.
Charli Knott threatened to chase down the target with her maiden WBBL half-century, hitting six fours and a six, but her dismissal to Bates dashed Heat's hopes. Bates, who has been in scintillating form this season, finished with 4 for 25 and now has 12 wickets from four matches, a remarkable start to her campaign.
Reflecting on her success, Bates attributed her good form to a period of self-reflection and adjustments made after a difficult season last year, adding, “I changed some little things and they're paying off, which is nice.”
In the end, Heat fell short, bowled out for 151, as Thunder's balanced performance with both bat and ball earned them the victory.
