In the fourth match of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 2024, a thrilling face-off unfolded between the Hobart Hurricanes Women and the Sydney Thunder Women. The highlight of the match came early in the second innings when Hobart Hurricanes’ star spinner, Molly Strano, stunned Sydney Thunder’s Chamari Athapaththu with an impressive delivery that led to her dismissal on the first ball – a golden duck. The match, which proved to be a low-scoring yet tense affair, set a captivating start for both teams in this year’s WBBL.
Molly Strano’s first-ball magic
Right from the first ball of the second innings, Strano showcased her skillful spin. Athapaththu, facing her first delivery, was caught off guard by Strano’s deceptive turn and precision, resulting in a swift LBW decision that sent her back to the pavilion for a duck. Athapaththu appeared visibly stunned by the umpire’s decision, a reaction shared by fans, as Strano’s delivery was widely regarded as an absolute beauty that set the tone for the Hurricanes’ bowling dominance.
Here is the video:
Can you believe that?
Chamari Athapaththu is gone first ball! #WBBL10 pic.twitter.com/wLpBVJlk61
— Weber Women’s Big Bash League (@WBBL) October 28, 2024
Samantha Bates’ stellar spell
Batting first, the Hobart Hurricanes managed a respectable score of 141 for the loss of 7 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. The star with the bat was Nicola Carey, who delivered an outstanding performance, scoring a quick 52 off 38 balls and lacing her innings with seven fours. Carey’s knock provided a steady foundation for the Hurricanes, and her skillful batting ensured they set a challenging total for the Sydney Thunder to chase.
On the bowling front, Samantha Bates continued to shine for the Thunders, demonstrating her consistency and precision by claiming three wickets in her four-over spell, maintaining an impressive economy of 5.00. Her tight bowling helped keep the pressure on the Hurricanes’ batting lineup, paving the way for the Thunders to gain an upper hand early on in the game.
Also WATCH: Georgia Adams takes a breathtaking catch to dismiss Lizelle Lee in the WBBL 2024
Heather Graham shines with the ball
In response, Sydney Thunder fell short, managing to score only 110 in 18 overs. Phoebe Litchfield, the Thunder’s captain, led from the front and was the highest run-scorer (51) for her team, but her efforts weren’t enough to prevent a defeat. The Thunder struggled to build momentum against the Hurricanes’ disciplined bowling attack, ultimately falling 31 runs short of the target and marking a disappointing start to their WBBL 2024 campaign.
Heather Graham took charge of the Hurricanes’ bowling efforts in the latter half, securing three crucial wickets and conceding just 19 runs in her four overs. Her spell proved instrumental in dismantling the Thunder’s lower order, solidifying her role as a key bowler for the Hurricanes this season. Carey also contributed with the ball, taking a wicket in addition to her half-century with the bat.
Carey was rightfully awarded the Player of the Match for her all-around contribution to the Hurricanes’ victory. Her half-century provided a vital boost to her team’s total, and her contribution with the ball helped put additional pressure on the Thunder. Carey’s performance underscored her importance to the Hurricanes and cemented her as one of the standout players in the early phase of WBBL 2024.
Also READ: WBBL|10: Ellyse Perry shines in Sydney Sixers thrilling win over Melbourne Renegades
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.