Charli Knott leads Brisbane Heat to victory over Adelaide Strikers in the WBBL 2024 opener

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The Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 2024 season kicked off with an exciting clash at the Adelaide Oval on Sunday (October 27), where Brisbane Heat emerged victorious over Adelaide Strikers by four wickets, with 12 balls to spare. Choosing to field first after winning the toss, Brisbane managed to restrict the Strikers to 133/5 in their allotted 20 overs. In response, Brisbane chased down the target with two overs remaining, securing a solid start to their campaign. Charli Knott was named the Player of the Match for her crucial 44-run effort that anchored the Heat’s chase, showcasing her ability to thrive under pressure.

Adelaide Strikers’ steady innings with Tahlia McGrath at the helm

Adelaide opened their innings with Katie Mack and Laura Wolvaardt, aiming for a steady start. However, the early wicket of Wolvaardt to Shikha Pandey‘s disciplined bowling set them back. Mack held the innings together with a composed 37 off 34 balls, but it was Tahlia McGrath’s knock of 51 off 41 balls, featuring five fours and a six, that provided stability. Pandey’s economical spell, taking 2/14, alongside Jess Jonassen’s 1/16, helped limit the Strikers to a modest total.

Also WATCH: Jess Jonassen uproots Katie Mack’s leg stump with a sensational delivery

Charli Knott’s knock anchors Brisbane Heat’s chase

Brisbane began their chase with a solid Powerplay performance. Despite the early run-out of Georgia Redmayne and a few quick wickets, Grace Harris’ quick-fire 29 off 25 laid the foundation. Charli then took charge, leading a crucial fourth-wicket partnership with skipper Jonassen. Knott’s unbeaten 44 off 30 balls, including five boundaries and a six, was instrumental in driving the chase forward, ensuring Heat reached their target without further trouble.

Megan Schutt’s efforts in vain

Megan Schutt was a standout performer with the ball for the Strikers, capturing two wickets in her four overs for 27 runs, showing her consistency and skill. Schutt’s dismissal of Laura Harris and Nadine de Klerk in quick succession momentarily slowed Heat’s momentum, but Knott’s composure kept the chase intact. Despite Schutt’s efforts, the Adelaide’s total was always just short of putting real pressure on Brisbane’s batting order. The victory awarded Brisbane Heat two points, launching their WBBL season on a winning note.

Also READ: WBBL 2024 – Squads, Broadcast and Live Streaming details | When & Where to Watch in India, Australia, US, UK, Canada & other countries

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

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