WBBL 2024: Sydney Thunder book Challenger berth following Phoebe Litchfield’s heroics against Hobart Hurricanes

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Sydney Thunder secured a hard-fought six-wicket victory against Hobart Hurricanes in the Knockout clash of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 2024 at the Drummoyne Oval. Anchored by a composed innings from Player of the Match, Phoebe Litchfield, the Thunder chased down a modest target of 127 with one over to spare.

Hobart Hurricanes’ inconsistent batting lead to a low total

After electing to bat, Hobart Hurricanes struggled to build momentum against a disciplined Sydney Thunder bowling attack. The Hurricanes managed a total of 126/6 in 20 overs, with Elyse Villani playing a captain’s knock of 53 runs off 42 balls, including six boundaries and a six. Lizelle Lee contributed 23 runs off 26 balls, but the rest of the top order faltered against the Thunder’s effective bowling.

Chamari Athapaththu and Taneale Peschel shone with the ball for Sydney Thunder, each bagging two wickets while conceding just 24 runs in their four overs. Samantha Bates was exceptional with her tight line and length, returning figures of 0/14 in four overs, ensuring the Hurricanes couldn’t accelerate in the death overs.

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Phoebe Litchfield guides Sydney Thunder to victory and Challenger qualification

Chasing 127, Sydney Thunder’s innings began shakily, with opener Georgia Voll dismissed for a duck. Athapaththu steadied the innings with a patient 31 off 38 balls, but it was the composed and stylish batting of captain Litchfield that turned the game in Thunder’s favor. Litchfield top-scored with 46 off 36 balls, striking five fours and a six, and maintained a steady partnership with Anika Learoyd, who contributed a valuable 23 off 24 balls.

Late fireworks from Georgia Adams, who smashed a boundary off her first delivery, sealed the match for the Thunder with an over to spare. The Thunder will now meet Brisbane Heat in the Challenger, scheduled to begin on November 29 in Brisbane.

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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