The WBBL Adelaide Strikers won their second consecutive title by defending a 125-run target against the Brisbane Heat in a Women’s Big Bash League final on Saturday.
The defending champion Adelaide Strikers won a record-equaling second Women’s Big Bash League title on Saturday, defeating Brisbane Heat by three runs in the WBBL 2023-24 final at the Adelaide Oval.
After winning the toss and opting to bat first, the Strikers set a goal of 125 runs for five, with anchor innings from Laura Wolvaardt (39) and skipper Tahlia McGrath (38).
The Heat started well in their third WBBL final, but the Strikers came back in the middle overs. McGrath dismissed Mignon du Preez and Laura Harris in quick succession, leaving the Heat four down for 62.
After that, Amelia Kerr and Charli Knott put on a 34-run stand for the fifth wicket before Strikers seamer Megan Schutt removed the latter on 20. With 20 runs needed in 12 deliveries, Schutt returned to dismiss Heat captain Jess Jonassen while allowing seven runs in the last over.
Leg-spinner Amanda-Jade Wellington took two wickets on either side of a six from Mikayla Hinkley in the final over to achieve the closest win in a WBBL final. The Strikers are currently the fourth side to win two WBBL championships and the third, after Brisbane and Sydney Sixers, to successfully defend their crown.
