Thunder Triumph Over Heat as Knight and Bates Shine

Thunder Triumph Over Heat as Knight and Bates Shine

Sydney Thunder’s batting prowess and Sam Bates’ exceptional bowling performance propelled them to a commanding 19-run victory over Brisbane Heat in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) at the WACA Ground.

England captain Heather Knight led the Thunder’s charge with an unbeaten 59, while Phoebe Litchfield (40) and Chamari Athapaththu (33) provided valuable contributions. The trio’s efforts propelled Thunder to a formidable total of 170 for 5.

In response, Brisbane Heat’s Charli Knott (55) and Grace Harris (41) threatened to pull off a remarkable run chase. However, Bates’ devastating spell of 4 for 25 proved too much for the Heat, who were eventually bowled out for 151.

Thunder’s innings got off to a solid start as Georgia Voll and Athapaththu put on a 52-run opening partnership. Athapaththu and Litchfield continued the momentum, striking seven boundaries each. Knight then took over, unleashing a flurry of shots to further bolster Thunder’s total.

Heat’s Jess Jonassen emerged as the pick of the bowlers, claiming 3 for 22. However, the rest of the bowling attack struggled to contain Thunder’s star-studded batting lineup.

Brisbane Heat’s run chase began promisingly, but Harris’ luck ran out when she was caught in the deep for 41. Knott kept the Heat’s hopes alive with a maiden WBBL half-century, but her dismissal by Bates proved decisive.

Bates’ exceptional performance has seen her claim 12 wickets from just four games this season. “I’m not sure if there’s a real secret behind [my form],” Bates said. “It’s nice to be contributing finally. I had a pretty ordinary season last year, so I reflected quite a bit on that. I changed some little things and they’re paying off, which is nice.”

Perth Scorchers Triumph Over Brisbane Heat in WBBL Thriller

Perth Scorchers Triumph Over Brisbane Heat in WBBL Thriller

Perth Scorchers emerged victorious in their WBBL clash against Brisbane Heat at the WACA, securing a 28-run win. Beth Mooney’s crucial half-century and Alana King’s exceptional five-wicket haul proved instrumental in the Scorchers’ triumph.

Mooney’s innings was a tale of two halves. Initially struggling against Shikha Pandey’s pace, she gradually found her rhythm and played a pivotal role in rescuing her team from a precarious position. Her 77 runs off 54 deliveries, including nine boundaries, propelled the Scorchers to a competitive total of 142 for 8.

Brisbane Heat’s chase got off to a shaky start as they lost both openers within the powerplay. Grace Harris’s aggressive start was short-lived, and the Heat found themselves struggling at 38 for 3. Laura Harris’s valiant 40 off 21 balls briefly threatened to turn the tide, but King’s devastating spell in the final overs extinguished any hopes of a Heat victory.

King’s five-wicket haul, her best in the WBBL, was a testament to her exceptional skill and accuracy. She claimed the last four wickets in quick succession, including the crucial dismissal of Laura Harris, to seal the win for the Scorchers.

The Scorchers’ victory improved their record to 2-1, while the Heat dropped to 2-2. Mooney’s late-innings heroics and King’s match-winning performance were the key factors in the Scorchers’ success.

Wyatt-Hodge Powers Hurricanes to Record-Breaking WBBL Chase

Wyatt-Hodge Powers Hurricanes to Record-Breaking WBBL Chase

Hobart Hurricanes’ record-breaking chase of 174 against Brisbane Heat on Saturday marked a significant moment in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL). England batter Danni Wyatt-Hodge played a pivotal role in the victory, smashing 62 runs off just 35 deliveries.

Heat’s innings was anchored by Grace Harris’ 75, who opened the batting for Australia in the recent World Cup. However, Hurricanes’ bowlers managed to restrict Heat to a total of 173 for 5.

Wyatt-Hodge and fellow opener Lizelle Lee set the tone for Hurricanes’ chase with a blistering 55-run partnership in the opening six overs. Wyatt-Hodge continued to dominate the innings, hitting six fours and three sixes.

Despite losing Lee for 38, Wyatt-Hodge remained unfazed and rallied her team. She was eventually dismissed by legspinner Grace Parsons, but not before leaving Hurricanes with a manageable target of 33 runs from the final three overs.

Elyse Villani’s reverse-swept boundary in the final over sealed the victory for Hurricanes, who secured a seven-wicket win with two balls remaining.

Wyatt-Hodge’s performance earned her the player-of-the-match award, while Parsons’ economical spell of 1 for 15 kept Heat in the contest.

The victory ended Heat’s undefeated start to the WBBL season and marked a record-breaking day for Hurricanes. Their previous best WBBL chase came in October 2021, when they hauled in a target of 145 against Melbourne Stars.

Grace Parsons Stars as Brisbane Heat Make WBBL History

Grace Parsons Stars as Brisbane Heat Make WBBL History

Brisbane Heat’s Grace Parsons emerged as a star in her second WBBL match, leading her team to a historic 28-run victory over Melbourne Renegades. The 21-year-old legspinner claimed 3 for 22 in four overs, turning the tide after Renegades had started strongly in pursuit of Heat’s 169 for 8.

Parsons’ heroics marked the first time in WBBL history that Heat had begun a season with consecutive wins. Renegades had made a blistering start thanks to Hayley Matthews’ 35 off 28, but Parsons’ double-wicket maiden in her opening over halted their momentum.

The turning point came when Deandra Dottin was controversially given out lbw after the ball deflected off her glove onto her pad. Despite Dottin’s call for a review, the absence of DRS in this match proved costly for Renegades.

Courtney Webb’s run-out and Sophie Molineux’s dismissal in the 10th over further compounded Renegades’ woes, leaving them reeling at 71 for 5. Shikha Pandey’s excellent bowling continued to restrict Renegades, despite Naomi Stalenberg’s quickfire 38.

Parsons’ performance was particularly impressive given her shoulder injury last year, which sidelined her for the entire WBBL season despite being Queensland’s leading wicket-taker in the WNCL. Her talent has earned her a spot in Australia A against India, signaling a promising future.

Parsons credits her development to former Heat legspinner Amelia Kerr and spin bowling coach Cameron Boyce. “Learning off Amelia the last three years has been really special,” she said. “Our spin bowling coach at the Heat is amazing, and it’s been cool to pick his brain.”

Earlier, Georgia Redmayne and Lauren Winfield-Hill had set the innings up with a 66-run partnership. Redmayne’s stylish square drives and Winfield-Hill’s strike rotation kept the scoreboard ticking. Charli Knott and Dottin’s dismissals threatened to derail Heat, but Laura Harris’ quickfire 31 during the power surge boosted the total.

Jess Jonassen’s unbeaten 25 helped Heat reach a competitive 169 for 8, which proved too much for Renegades despite Parsons’ heroics.

WBBL Season 10 Kicks Off with New Features and Key Players

WBBL Season 10 Kicks Off with New Features and Key Players

The tenth season of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) is set to commence on Sunday, October 16, with a triple-header featuring reigning champions Adelaide Strikers and Brisbane Heat. The tournament has been reduced to 40 games plus finals to align with the BBL and accommodate the growing women’s cricket calendar.

Each club will play 10 regular season games, down from 14 last season. The top four teams will qualify for the finals, which will follow a three-game format. The team finishing top will host the final on December 1.

The WBBL has introduced several new features this season. A third umpire will be available in every game, and there will be an increase in matches with full DRS. An innings timer will also be in operation, with 73 minutes available to bowl the first ball of the 20th over.

Several key players will be on display in the WBBL, including Phoebe Litchfield, Annabel Sutherland, Amelia Kerr, and Deandra Dottin. Litchfield, the youngest full-time captain in WBBL history, will lead Sydney Thunder. Sutherland, who captained Melbourne Stars, is a rising star in Australian cricket. Kerr, the Player-of-the-World Cup, has joined Sydney Sixers from Brisbane Heat. Dottin, who had a brilliant T20 World Cup, will play for Melbourne Renegades.

The WBBL is expected to be a competitive and exciting tournament, with several teams vying for the title. Adelaide Strikers will be aiming for a hat-trick of titles, while Brisbane Heat, Sydney Sixers, and Melbourne Stars will be among the other contenders.

Darren Lehmann Resigns from Coaching Roles for ABC Commentary Gig

Darren Lehmann Resigns from Coaching Roles for ABC Commentary Gig

Darren Lehmann, the former head coach of the Australian cricket team, has stepped down from his assistant coaching roles with the Brisbane Heat and Queensland men’s team to pursue a full-time radio commentary position with ABC Sport.

Lehmann, 54, had a year remaining on his contract with the Heat and Queensland, having played a key role in the Heat’s BBL title victory last season. He was set to continue under new head coach Johan Botha, but has opted to leave on the eve of the 2024-25 season to join ABC Sport’s commentary team.

The move marks a potential end to Lehmann’s coaching career, as he had previously applied for the head coaching positions at the Adelaide Strikers and Melbourne Renegades, but was unsuccessful.

“I’ve had a great time over the journey, with so many fond memories from that time,” Lehmann said. “I wish nothing but the best for the future for all at QC and the Heat and thank each and every member of staff and the playing group for making my time at QC so enjoyable and fulfilling.”

Queensland Cricket CEO Terry Svenson praised Lehmann’s contributions to Queensland cricket. “Throughout his long involvement with us, Darren has been a positive and proactive influence on cricket in the state,” Svenson said. “Being part of the group that won the BBL last summer is a fitting way to farewell him.”

Andy Bichel will be the only remaining member of the coaching panel at both Queensland and Heat as a new era begins under Botha and general manager of high performance Joe Dawes.

Paul Walter Set for BBL Return as Draft Nominations Announced

Paul Walter Set for BBL Return as Draft Nominations Announced

Paul Walter, the all-rounder who played a pivotal role in Brisbane Heat’s BBL title triumph last season, is set to return to the competition after being nominated for next month’s draft. Walter, a left-arm seamer and hard-hitting batter, became a fan favorite for Heat, claiming 17 wickets and earning a spot in the team of the tournament.

Heat holds retention rights for Walter, giving them the option to bring him back if another team attempts to select him. Walter’s full availability, including the finals, makes him a valuable asset for Heat, who boast a diverse bowling attack featuring Michael Neser, Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson, and spin twins Matt Kuhnemann and Mitchell Swepson.

“I think we’ve got the best bowling unit in the competition,” Walter said during last season’s campaign. “I feel like I complement the rest of the attack quite well, and we’ve been good at managing games.”

English cricketers dominate the list of nominees, but most have limited availability due to England’s Test series in New Zealand and limited-overs tour of India. However, players like Olly Stone, Dan Lawrence, Jordan Cox, and Joe Clarke are likely to attract interest. Legspinner Rehan Ahmed, who was initially drafted by Sydney Sixers last season but withdrew due to international commitments, has nominated again.

Pakistan allrounder Imad Wasim, who Melbourne Stars have retention rights for, has full availability, as does slingy fast bowler Zaman Khan, who played for Sydney Thunder last season.

In the WBBL, England players are also well-represented among the nominees. Dani Gibson, who played a crucial role in the Hundred final, impressed for Adelaide Strikers last season, striking at 147.43 and claiming 10 wickets. She has full availability, although England has a T20I series against South Africa that overlaps with the WBBL finals.

South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt, who was initially nominated with full availability, now has availability of six to nine games. Strikers are the only club yet to name a pre-draft signing, but they are expected to fill that spot next week.

Melbourne Renegades Sign BBL-Winning Batter Josh Brown

Melbourne Renegades Sign BBL-Winning Batter Josh Brown

Melbourne Renegades have bolstered their batting lineup with the acquisition of Josh Brown, a BBL-winning batter from Brisbane Heat. The 30-year-old has signed a two-year deal with the Renegades, replacing the retired Aaron Finch.

Brown emerged as a late bloomer in the BBL, dominating Brisbane grade cricket before making his mark in the professional league. In his first 23 matches, he has amassed 624 runs at an average of 27.13 and a strike rate of 149.64.

His breakout performance came in last season’s BBL finals, where he smashed a record-breaking 140 runs off 71 balls against Adelaide Strikers in the Challenger. He followed that up with a match-winning 53 in the final against Sydney Sixers, helping Heat secure the title.

Brown’s impressive form attracted attention from overseas T20 franchises, and he played in the Bangladesh Premier League with Chattogram Challengers. He also made his List A debut for Queensland upon his return from Bangladesh.

Renegades general manager James Rosengarten expressed excitement about Brown’s addition to the squad. “We’ve identified a clear role for Josh in our batting order which will have a new look this year,” Rosengarten said. “Josh possesses a good balance of aggression and composure, which we all witnessed in the recent BBL finals series.”

Brown is expected to form a formidable opening partnership with Jake Fraser-McGurk. He expressed gratitude to Heat for giving him the opportunity to play in the BBL but is eager for a new challenge with the Renegades.

“I’ve enjoyed my time with the Heat, they gave me my opportunity, for which I’ll always be grateful and have cherished memories including winning a BBL Championship last season,” Brown said. “But I am extremely excited for a new challenge and hopefully achieve the same success with the Renegades.”

Home
Shop
Wishlist0
Back to Top

Search For Products

Product has been added to your cart