On this day Adelaide Strikers ended their draught in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL). The West Indian all-rounder Deandra Dottin played a monumental role in taking the Adelaide Strikers to the ultimate glory. Adelaide Strikers became the fifth franchise to lift the WBBL title and they did that in a thrilling fashion.
First innings
The Adelaide Strikers skipper Tahlia McGrath won the toss and elected to bat first in the all-important final. Strikers got off to a great start as the opening duo of Katie Mack and Laura Wolvaardt started taking on the bowlers right from the start. They crossed the 50-run mark in the powerplay but immediately after the powerplay was over both Wolvaardt and Mack were dismissed in quick succession.
Tahlia McGrath and Deandra Dottin stitched a valuable partnership to stabilize the ship and progress the innings. But around the 17th over Strikers were reduced to 5/112 and it needed a gallant effort from the batters to put a challenging total on the board. Deandra Dottin took the charge and accelerated which saw Strikers put 147 runs on the board. They would have wanted a few more runs but a run chase in a final is never an easy task.
Second Innings
Sydney Sixers’ run chase started on a rocky note as they lost four wickets in the powerplay. Key players like Alyssa Healy, Suzie Bates, and Ashleigh Gardner were back in the pavilion which was a huge blow for the Sixers. Deandra Dottin picked up two crucial wickets of Gardner and Bates which gave Strikers a great head start while defending a low total.
However, the match was still not over. Sydney Sixers skipper Ellyse Perry built a 60-run partnership with Nicole Bolton to keep their team in the contest. But Strikers again hit back by dismissing the two within a couple of overs. Maitlan Brown and Sophie Ecclestone fought hard but their effort was not enough as the Sixers fell short by 10 runs. Deandra Dottin was adjudged the player of the match for a brilliant all-round display.