ST-W vs BH-W (Challenger Match) – Highlights
In this article, we will discuss the thrilling Challenger match of the Women’s Big Bash League 2024, held on November 29 in Brisbane, where BH-W secured a dominant 9-wicket victory over ST-W. The match featured impressive performances, with Sydney Thunder setting a target of 134 runs and Brisbane Heat chasing it down with remarkable ease, advancing to the final with 28 balls to spare.
Brisbane Heat Women dominated Sydney Thunder Women to secure a convincing 9-wicket victory with 28 balls to spare. Batting first, Sydney Thunder posted 133/7 in 20 overs, with notable contributions from their middle order. Brisbane Heat’s bowlers delivered a disciplined performance, keeping the target within reach.
In reply, Brisbane Heat chased down the target effortlessly in just 15.2 overs, led by a stellar unbeaten knock from their top-order batter. The comprehensive win propelled the Brisbane Heat into the final.
In the Challenger match of the Women’s Big Bash League 2024, Sydney Thunder Women struggled to build momentum in their innings, managing 133/7 in their allotted 20 overs. The innings began with Georgia Voll scoring a brisk 20 off 16 balls, but her dismissal by Nicola Hancock in the fourth over stalled the ST-W’s early progress.
Chamari Athapaththu (11 off 18) and skipper Phoebe Litchfield (15 off 14) made modest contributions before falling to disciplined bowling by Brisbane Heat, with Grace Parsons and Jess Jonassen leading the charge.
Sydney Thunder’s middle order faltered, as Tahlia Wilson (3), Anika Learoyd (9), and Georgia Adams (0) departed cheaply, leaving the team reeling at 56/5 by the 11th over. The slide continued with Sammy-Jo Johnson dismissed shortly after for 4.
However, a resilient eighth-wicket partnership between Hannah Darlington (40* off 29, including 4 fours and 2 sixes) and Taneale Peschel (24* off 16, with 1 four and 2 sixes) provided a much-needed boost in the death overs, adding 64 runs to push the total to a competitive 133/7.
Brisbane Heat’s bowlers were clinical, with Grace Parsons starring with 3/10 in her three overs, while Jess Jonassen (2/33) and Lucy Hamilton (1/19) chipped in effectively. Despite the late surge from Darlington and Peschel, Sydney Thunder’s below-par run rate of 6.65 set up a challenging defense against a strong Brisbane Heat batting lineup.
BH-W delivered a commanding batting performance to chase down the 134-run target set by Sydney Thunder Women, achieving victory in just 15.2 overs with 9 wickets in hand. The chase started with Grace Harris scoring a quick 7 off 6 before being stumped off Samantha Bates’ bowling in the second over.
Georgia Redmayne anchored the innings with a composed 50* off 41 balls, hitting eight boundaries and maintaining a steady scoring rate. Jemimah Rodrigues added an explosive 43 off just 30 balls, including five fours and one six, before retiring hurt with the team in a strong position at 89/1. Charli Knott closed out the chase with an unbeaten 19 off 16 balls, striking three boundaries.
Sydney Thunder’s bowlers struggled to make an impact, with Samantha Bates being the lone wicket-taker, finishing with 1/25 in 3.2 overs. Despite economical spells from Shabnim Ismail (0/21 in 4 overs), the Thunder’s total proved insufficient as Brisbane Heat cruised to victory with a high run rate of 8.73. The win secured the Brisbane Heat a spot in the final.
Sydney Thunder Women vs Brisbane Heat Women Scoreboard
Sydney Thunder Women – 133/7 (20)
Brisbane Heat Women– 134/1(15.2/20)
Result – Heat won by 9 wickets (with 28 balls remaining)
Player of the Match – Grace Parsons
ST-W vs BH-W Playing Eleven
Sydney Thunder Women
Georgia Voll, Chamari Athapaththu, Phoebe Litchfield(C), Tahlia Wilson(WK), Anika Learoyd, Georgia Adams, Sammy-Jo Johnson, Hannah Darlington, Taneale Peschel, Shabnim Ismail, and Samantha Bates.
Brisbane Heat Women
Grace Harris, Georgia Redmayne(WK), Jemimah Rodrigues, Charli Knott, Jess Jonassen(C), Laura Harris, Lauren Winfield-Hill, Lucy Hamilton, Shikha Pandey, Nicola Hancock, and Grace Parsons.
Disclaimer: These match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.