In the eighth match of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 2024, an outstanding fielding moment became the highlight as Adelaide Strikers women, Jemma Barsby pulled off a spectacular catch to dismiss Sydney Thunder Women’s in-form skipper, Phoebe Litchfield.
Jemma Barsby outstanding catch
In the 14th over, bowler Megan Schutt delivered a full ball to Litchfield, who was playing an aggressive knock for Sydney. Litchfield, aiming for another boundary, smashed the ball toward deep cover. Barsby, sprinting toward the ball with precision, managed to slide into position and secured the catch in a poised, one-knee crouch, executing a challenging catch with remarkable ease. Litchfield’s knock came to an end at 49 off just 31 balls, featuring eight fours and one six.
Here is the video:
Megan Schutt & @StrikersBBL get the desperately needed wicket of Phoebe Litchfield! #WBBL10 pic.twitter.com/7W8njSwx9L
— Weber Women’s Big Bash League (@WBBL) November 1, 2024
Also READ: WBBL 2024: Georgia Voll, Shabnim Ismail shine as Sydney Thunder crushes Adelaide Strikers by 64 runs
Georgia Voll superb knock
Batting first, Thunder’s batters made an imposing statement with a massive total of 212 for 5 in their 20 overs, putting the Strikers under significant pressure. Leading the charge was Georgia Voll, who delivered a stellar performance with the bat. Voll’s impressive 92 off 55 balls featured 12 boundaries and three sixes, nearly reaching a century but falling just eight runs short. Her strong innings provided the Thunder with the foundation for a challenging target.
On the Strikers’ side, Orla Prendergast was the standout bowler, claiming three wickets in her four-over spell, which helped to slightly curb the Thunder’s relentless batting.
Samantha Bates shines with ball for Sydney Thunder
In response, the Adelaide Strikers found themselves struggling to keep pace with the challenging target. Despite a valiant effort by opener Katie Mack, who scored 51 off 42 balls with five fours and one six, the Strikers fell short, managing only 148 before being bowled out in the 20th over. Mack’s determined innings gave some hope, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the disciplined Thunder bowling attack.
Sydney Thunder’s bowling performance was anchored by Samantha Bates, who showcased exceptional skill by taking four wickets for just 21 runs in her four-over spell. Bates’ disciplined bowling ensured that Strikers’ batters struggled to find momentum, sealing the Thunder’s 64-run victory with a powerful all-around performance.
For her outstanding 92-run innings that set the stage for Sydney Thunder’s commanding total, Voll was rightfully named Player of the Match. Her contribution not only lifted her team to a remarkable total but also highlighted her as one of the key players in the tournament so far.
Also READ: WBBL 2024: Heather Knight, Hannah Darlington guide Sydney Thunder to first victory of the season
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.