Adelaide Strikers make it back-to-back Women's Big Bash League titles after beating Brisbane Heat by three runs; Strikers captain Tahlia McGrath led the way by scoring 38 runs off 34 balls before taking two wickets
Monday 4 December 2023 06:32, UK
Adelaide Strikers retained the Women's Big Bash League title after a closely-fought final against Brisbane Heat that went down to the last ball.
A year after claiming their first title against the Sydney Sixers with a 10-run win, the Strikers secured back-to-back crowns after prevailing by three runs as the Heat took their chase, of what would have been a record third title, down to the wire at the Adelaide Oval.
In a low-scoring but captivating match, the Heat reached 122-8 as they just fell short in pursuit of Adelaide's 125-5.
The Heat began the final over requiring 13 runs but Amanda-Jade Wellington (3-16) took the wicket of Georgia Voll on the third ball.
A stunning six from Mikayla Hinkley off her first ball then gave Brisbane late hope but she was caught by Jemma Barsby in front of the ropes as she attempted a repeat on the next ball.
Nicola Hancock was then unable to deliver what would have been a title-winning six on the final ball, with the Strikers duly confirmed as champions.
Strikers captain Tahlia McGrath starred, scoring 34 runs and consecutively dismissing the Heat's Mignon du Preez and Laura Harris.in the 13th over, finishing with 2-16.
"We called it last year: we were sitting in the changing rooms and we said 'we're not done, we want to go back-to-back'," McGrath said.
"We have had that fight, that determination all year. This team is a proper team. There are no individuals, no ego. We know our roles, we show up day in, day out, and it's a lot of fun playing with this team."
Laura Wolvaardt (39) and McGrath combined for a 66-run partnership.
