Table of Contents
Sydney Thunder clinched a 19-run victory over Brisbane Heat in Match 16 of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 2024 at Perth. Thunder posted a strong total of 170/5, with Heather Knight and Phoebe Litchfield leading the charge. In reply, The Heat’s chase began promisingly with Grace Harris and Charli Knott making solid contributions, but they ultimately fell short, closing at 151.
A standout moment came when Samantha Bates dismissed Knott just after she had reached her maiden WBBL half-century with a towering six, shifting momentum firmly in Thunder’s favor. Bates’ impressive 4-wicket haul earned her the Player of the Match award for her impactful spell.
Key wicket moment: Samantha Bates’ revenge on Charli Knott
In the 17th over of the Heat’s innings, Knott, on 49, stepped out to a full ball on leg stump from Bates and smashed it over deep square for six, bringing up her maiden WBBL half-century in style. However, on the very next ball, Bates had her revenge. Pitching slightly shorter and closer to the stumps, Bates tempted Knott, who tried to cut the delivery toward point. Knott missed, and the ball crashed into the stumps, rattling the bails. Knott’s dismissal at 133/7 marked a pivotal point, as the Heat struggled to recover and were ultimately bowled out for 151.
Here’s the video:
Charli Knott hits a six for her maiden WBBL half-century, and goes out the next ball 😮#WBBL10 pic.twitter.com/xd4Crwzlif
— Weber Women's Big Bash League (@WBBL) November 7, 2024
Also READ: WBBL 2024: Heather Knight, Samantha Bates shine in Sydney Thunder’s impressive win over Brisbane Heat
Strong batting display sets up defendable total against Brisbane Heats
Thunder’s innings was bolstered by Heather Knight’s powerful 59* off 34 balls, with Chamari Athapaththu (33 off 25) and Phoebe Litchfield (40 off 25) providing crucial early runs. Their aggressive start set Thunder up well, allowing them to maintain a high run rate throughout. Despite losing a few quick wickets in the final overs, Thunder’s total of 170/5 posed a formidable challenge. Jess Jonassen’s economical spell, yielding three wickets, was a highlight for the Heat’s bowling, but it wasn’t enough to keep Thunder from establishing a strong target.
Sydney Thunder’s bowling unit shines as Bates leads the charge
The Thunder bowlers, led by Bates and Athapaththu, executed a well-rounded defense. Hannah Darlington removed Georgia Redmayne early, setting the tone for Thunder’s dominance. Bates delivered crucial breakthroughs, including Jonassen and Nadine de Klerk, besides her pivotal wicket of Knott. Taneale Peschel and Shabnim Ismail contributed by dismissing key players like Harris and closing out the innings, securing Thunder’s solid defense of their total and sealing the victory.
