WATCH: Alyssa Healy takes a stunner to dismiss Jess Jonassen in the opening game of WNCL 2023

The Women’s National Cricket League 2023-24 season got off to an electrifying start with a thrilling encounter between Queensland Women and New South Wales Women in Sydney. New South Wales registered a comfortable win over Queensland Women to start their campaign on a winning note.

Queensland Women innings

Winning the toss and opting to bat first, Queensland Women’s innings was anchored by their opener, Georgia Voll, who displayed resilience and determination. Her 65 off 94 deliveries laid the foundation for Queensland’s innings. Charli Knott partnered with Voll, contributing a valuable 47 runs from 69 balls.

Erin Burn’s sensational four-fer

Erin Burns of New South Wales Women was the star with the ball, taking four wickets for just 31 runs. Her exceptional bowling performance included crucial breakthroughs that kept the pressure on the opposition throughout their innings, and Queensland eventually were bowled out for 182 runs.

Among the four wickets picked by Burns, one came off a brilliant catch from Alyssa Healy. Interestingly, known for her wicketkeeping skills, Healy was fielded in this match and took the catch at the square leg position.

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Alyssa Healy’s brilliant catch

It all happened on the first ball of the 43rd over when Burns produced a flighted and straighter delivery to Queensland batter Jess Jonassen, and she attempted a reverse sweep towards Healy at the square leg. Healy made no mistake and dived towards her right to take a stunning low catch without losing her balance.

Here’s the video:

No gloves, no worries for Alyssa Healy in the field! 😎#WNCL pic.twitter.com/9uXhyvm68k

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) September 22, 2023

New South Wales Women innings

In reply, New South Wales Women got off to a steady start. Ashleigh Gardner provided stability with a composed 54 runs off 56 deliveries, and Erin Burns continued her brilliant all-round performance, adding 31 runs from 26 balls.

Courtney Grace Sippel from Queensland Women made a notable contribution with the ball, taking two wickets for 25 runs. However, New South Wales Women managed to chase down the target in 36.2 overs, finishing at 183/5.

Burns was adjudged the ‘Player of the Match’ for her outstanding all-round performance in the contest.

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