The Adelaide Strikers had a super all-round performance at the WACA on Friday, securing a dominant five-wicket win in the Grand Final rematch against the Sydney Sixers.
Winning the toss at a hot and sunny WACA Ground and electing to field first, the Strikers had just one change with Annie O’Neil coming into the middle order in place of the injured Maddie Penna.
The Strikers bowlers set up the win for their side, never letting the Sixers get any momentum as the held them to 6-111 from the 20 overs.
A wicket-maiden from Dani Gibson in the Power Play, featuring the crucial wicket of Sixers skipper Ellyse Perry, set the tone for the Strikers.
The first five overs of pace held the Sixers to 1-24, with spin being introduced to the attack in the fifth over.
Amanda-Jade Wellington struck straight away, getting former Striker Suzie Bates caught at mid-on, before following up in her next over to get Erin Burns stumped by keeper Bridget Patterson.
The very next over, Wellington’s leg-spin twin Anesu Mushangwe joined in, getting Ash Gardner well caught by a leaping Annie O’Neil.
Mushangwe backed it up a few overs later, with Chloe Tryon being caught in the deep.
An outstanding Power Surge in the final few overs from Megan Schutt and Gibson conceded only three runs, the equal lowest Surge total in the WBBL.
A run out from Barsby on the final ball of the match had the Sixers finish 6-111, leaving the Strikers batters less than a run a ball to chase.
Let's take a moment to appreciate the wicket that kicked it all off! Dani's best bowling performance for us so far 💪 #OurCityOurTeam pic.twitter.com/xgj94t0vwS
— Adelaide Strikers (@StrikersBBL) November 3, 2023
The batters chased the runs easily, not even requiring their Power Surge as they got the runs with 17 balls remaining.
As she has so often does, Katie Mack anchored the Strikers innings, scoring her second half-century of the competition and her 10th in the WBBL overall.
She was well supported by captain Tahlia McGrath, who hit an entertaining 36 off 29 balls.
In the end, O’Neil hit a four to bring up the winning runs, securing the Strikers a five-wicket win.
Mushangwe’s economical spell of 2-18 earned her Player of the Match honours, while Gibson had her best match for the Strikers so far, finishing her four overs with figures of 1-13, including 15 dot balls.
The Strikers will play on the WACA again on Sunday, this time against the Perth Scorchers.
Starting at 4:55pm ACDT, the match will also be broadcast live on 7Mate Adelaide, Fox Cricket and Kayo Sports.