Match Details
3:40 PM IST and 9:10 Local Time- So that’s that and it’s the Hobart Hurricanes that have secured the win over the Syndey Thunder by 24 runs.
Batting first, the Sydney Thunder scored a solid first innings total of 174/3 from 20 overs. The opening duo of Elyse Villani and Lizelle Lee struck a formidable 68 run opening stand from 9.3 overs to provide their side with the platform required to score big.
The skipper Villani added 40 (34) before getting bowled to Ebony Hoskin. She continued her good run of form and struck seven boundaries in her innings. Bryony Smith didn’t hang around much as she had to walk back for 5 (10) with Marizanne Kapp getting the better of her.
However, it was the Lizelle Lee show today as she powered her way to a scintillating knock of 91 (54). Her innings consisted of 12 fours and two sixes while batting at a strike rate of 168.51.
Lee stayed till the very final over and struck a valuable 78 run stand with Heather Graham. Graham too impressed with an unbeaten 31 (23)* and had five fours under her belt.
For Thunder, it was Marizanne Kapp, Samantha Bates and Ebony Hoskin who picked up a wicket apiece.
As for the run-chase, Thunder did start off in a cautious yet stable manner with the score being at 31 from seven overs. But that’s when things took a turn as the in-form Chamari Athapaththu departed for a sluggish 13 (22) courtesy Nicola Carey. Tahila Wilson was the next one to walk back as she got stumped for 14 (19) during Molly Strano’s over. The Sydney Thunder skipper Heather Knight was run-out for 2 (4) by Naomi Stalenberg in what was a poor call for a single.
Phoebe Litchfield and Marizanne Kapp did consolidate in the middle with a 34 run stand. Just when Kapp was looking to change gears, she was sent back to the hut by Amy Smith for 18 (16).
It looked like a mere formality for the Hurricanes as they kept chipping in with the wickets and managed to keep things tight. However, Litchfield made sure to make the Hurricanes bowling unit sweat to an extent as she smashed her way to 68 (43) in what was a sheerly entertaining knock. Litchfield ended up striking six fours and four sixes while batting at a strike rate of 158.14.
Anika Learoyd also played a breezy knock of 20 (12) while being a part of 65 run partnership with Litchfield in quickfire manner.
Despite the huff and puff of Litchfield, the Sydney Thunder fell short by 24 runs. Putting things into consideration, it was the first 10 overs in particular by the Hurricanes that got them into the driving seat.
For the Hurricanes, it was Molly Strano who stood out with the ball in hand courtesy her spell of 2/14 from three overs. Amy Smith and Nicola Carey also contributed with a wicket apiece.
With all that being said and done, it was Lizelle Lee's display of timing and power got her side to a winning target!