WBBL 2024: Georgia Voll, Shabnim Ismail shine as Sydney Thunder crushes Adelaide Strikers by 64 runs

In a commanding performance at North Sydney on Friday (November 1), Sydney Thunder secured a convincing victory over the Adelaide Strikers by 64 runs in Match 8 of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 2024. After posting a formidable total of 212 runs, the Thunder’s bowling attack stifled the Strikers’ chase, restricting them to just 148 runs in 19.2 overs. Georgia Voll’s explosive 92 runs highlighted a stellar batting display and was named Player of the Match, while Shabnim Ismail’s three-wicket haul dismantled the Strikers’ batting order.

Sydney Thunder’s batting brilliance led by Georgia Voll

The Thunder set the tone early, delivering an impressive batting display that culminated in a total of 212 runs for the loss of five wickets. The standout performance came from Voll, who scored a blistering 92 runs off just 55 balls, including 12 fours and 3 sixes, showcasing her ability to accelerate the scoring rate. Alongside her, Phoebe Litchfield contributed a solid 49 runs off 31 balls, helping the Thunder maintain a rapid run rate of 10.60 throughout their innings.

The partnership between Voll and Litchfield was particularly crucial, as they added 94 runs for the second wicket, effectively laying the foundation for a daunting target. Notably, Heather Knight added 28 runs in just 15 balls, hitting three boundaries and two sixes before falling to Prendergast. The Thunder’s innings was bolstered by a few quick runs at the end, including Anika Learoyd’s quickfire 8 off 4 balls, as they finished their innings at a commanding 212/5.

Outstanding innings by Georgia Voll 🙌🏏#women #cricket #georgiavoll #WBBL10 #CricketTwitter #WomenCricket pic.twitter.com/4B4oDUZgaz

— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) November 1, 2024

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Adelaide Strikers struggle in chase against Shabnim Ismail

Chasing a formidable target of 213 runs, the Strikers encountered early setbacks that derailed their pursuit. They lost their first wicket cheaply when Laura Wolvaardt fell for just 2 runs, caught by Wilson off the bowling of Shabnim Ismail. Despite a brief resistance from Katie Mack, who top-scored with 51 runs off 42 balls, the Strikers struggled to build meaningful partnerships. Tahlia McGrath’s dismissal for a duck compounded their woes, as they slipped to 38 for 3 within the first six overs.

The Thunder bowlers, particularly Ismail and Sam Bates, executed their plans flawlessly, with Bates claiming 4 wickets for just 21 runs in her four overs. Ismail’s spell of 3 for 18 in 3.2 overs proved decisive in dismantling the Strikers’ batting lineup. Ultimately, the Strikers were unable to recover from the early losses, finishing their innings at 148, well short of the target.

A convincing performance from @ThunderBBL as they knock off the reigning WBBL champions! pic.twitter.com/eNaEhZheL6

— Weber Women’s Big Bash League (@WBBL) November 1, 2024

WBBL 2024: Thunder’s bowling attack proves too strong

The Thunder’s bowling attack proved too hot to handle for the Strikers, with Ismail leading the charge. Her incisive bowling earned her three wickets, effectively curtailing any momentum the Strikers tried to build. Bates complemented her effort beautifully with a stellar performance, picking up four crucial wickets and maintaining a tight economy rate of 5.25 runs per over. Chamari Athapaththu also contributed with the ball, taking a wicket while providing vital support in the middle overs. The collective effort from the Thunder bowlers, coupled with their aggressive field placements, kept the Strikers under relentless pressure throughout the chase.