Adelaide Strikers beat Brisbane Heat by three runs to win Women's Big Bash League title

Adelaide Strikers successfully defended the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 2023-24 title on Saturday, beating Brisbane Heat by three runs in the final at the Adelaide Oval. The Srikers opted to bat first after winning the toss but were restricted to 125/8, but not before Laura Wolvaardt (39) and Tahlia McGrath (38) could play vital knocks. In Brisbe’s reply, the Adelaide bowlers never allowed the batters to settle down. Openers Grace Harris (15) and Georgia Readymane (22) were dismissed in a gap of just two overs between the sixth and eighth, and even the likes of Mignon du Pleez (13) and Laura Harris (0) failed to make an impact. Amanda-Jade Wellington (3/16) was the pick of the Adelaide Strikers’ bowlers whereas skipper Tahlia McGrath (2/16), Jemma Barsby (1/15) and Megan Schutt (2/30) also chipped in with wickets. Brisbane Heat were 62/4 at one stage, and even a 34-run stand between Amelia Kerr and Charli Knott could not save the Heat as they were restricted to 122/8. Heat needed 20 runs to win off the last two overs and Schutt dismissed Bisbane skipper Jess Jonassen while going for seven runs. Amanda-Jade Wellington then struck twice in the final over, removing Georgia Voll and Mikayla Hinkley to eventually seal the title for the Strikers. This was the Strikers’ second WBBL title and became the fourth team to do so, and win two league titles.