Impressive Strikers bowling attack sets up victory over Thunder

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Impressive Strikers bowling attack sets up victory over Thunder


Adelaide Strikers 119 for 4 (Wolvaardt 47, Patterson 36*, Smith 3-16) won Sydney Thunder 118 for 6 (Athapaththu) for six wickets

Adelaide Strikers bowlers were outstanding in a six-wicket win over Sydney Thunder, now in fourth place on 13 points, with classy opening batsman Laura Wolvaardt leading the successful run chase at Karen Rolton Oval.

The forwards have a bowling attack that boasts economy and variety and as a collective they found their rhythm to restrict the Thunder to 118 for 6.

Former Zimbabwe international Anesu Mushangwe began her spell with a double-wicket maiden. Megan Schutt and captain Tahlia McGrath stood their ground. Almost half of the pitches in the innings were points.

When Heather Knight fell to Jemma Barsby, Thunder were 32 for 3 in the seventh over. In-form opener Chamari Athapaththu was classy but well contained by the bowlers. McGrath, who removed Athapaththu, also bowled a maiden to Marizanne Kapp in the ninth over.

The forwards carried out their pursuit to perfection. Wolvaardt and her opening partner Katie Mack anchored the innings and Bridget Patterson finished the win superbly despite spinner Lauren Smith’s best efforts.

Smith had found himself with a hat-trick when he removed Mack and bowled McGrath with a spinning beauty between bat and pad.

Three teams are now tied on 14 points, with Perth Scorchers leading the way in net run rate. There is a significant incentive to finish first, as that means a direct path to the grand final, while the second-place team will host the Challenger final. The third and fourth places have to win two elimination matches to reach the final.