Reigning champions Adelaide Strikers defended their title with a record-equalling second WBBL title as they defeated Brisbane Heat by three runs in an enthralling final at the Adelaide Oval on Saturday. (More Cricket News)
The Strikers opted to bat first after winning the toss and could only muster 125 on the board for the loss of five wickets. Laura Wolvaardt (39) and skipper Tahlia McGrath (38) were the top-scorers for them.
In what was their third WBBL final, the Heat started off on a positive note but Strikers pulled things back in the middle-overs. McGrath sent back Mignon du Preez and Laura Harris in back-to-back deliveries as Heat lost four wickets for 62 runs.
However, Amelia Kerr and Charlie Knott steadied the shit with a 34-run stand for the fifth wicket. But Strikers bowler Megan Schutt sent back Knott for 20. Heat required 20 runs in two overs and Schutt removed rival captain Jess Jonassen and only conceded seven runs in the penultimate over.
However, star of the final was spinner Amanda-Jade Wellington who plucked three wickets to send her team towards victory in the final.
With this win, the Strikers are the fourth team to clinch two WBBL titles and third side after Brisbane and Sydney Sixers to successfully defend their title.
