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The defending champions Adelaide Strikers secured their second Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) 2023 title after stifling Brisbane Head in a thrilling final at the Adelaide Oval on December 2, Saturday.
Electing to bat first after winning the toss, the Strikers posted a competitive total of 125/5, with crucial contributions from Laura Wolvaardt (39) and skipper Tahlia McGrath (38). The Heat, appearing in their third WBBL final, made a positive start to their chase, but the Strikers regained control during the middle overs. McGrath's dismissal of Mignon du Preez and Laura Harris in quick succession left the Heat struggling at four down for 62.
Despite a valiant effort from the Heat's tailenders, the Strikers' bowlers held their nerve to secure a dramatic victory and claim their second WBBL title.
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The Strikers' controlled bowling performance proved to be the deciding factor, as they restricted the Heat to 122/8 in response to their own total of 125/5, thanks to Australian star Amanda-Jade Wellington's stunning spell which was studded with a brilliant three-fer.
Laura Wolvaardt (39) and captain Tahlia McGrath (38) were the key contributors with the bat for the Strikers, while Amanda-Jade Wellington's two wickets in the final over sealed the victory. McGrath also chipped in with two wickets, while Wellington finished with impressive figures of 3-16 and Megan Schutt claimed 2-30. Jemma Barsby also played a crucial role, conceding just 15 runs from her three overs.
With six wickets down and needing 13 runs from the final over, the Heat's hopes were still alive. Amelia Kerr remained unbeaten on 30, and a six from Mikayla Hinkley briefly rekindled their chances.
However, Wellington's wicket of Hinkley, her third of the innings, turned the tide in favor of the Strikers, who were able to celebrate a remarkable back-to-back title triumph.
The Strikers' success was built on their impressive performance in the group stages, where they finished six points clear of second-placed Perth Scorchers to secure direct qualification for the final.
The Heat, who finished third, had to navigate through the Eliminator and the Challenger before reaching the final. They defeated fourth-placed Sydney Thunder in the Eliminator and then comfortably overcame the Scorchers in the Challenger to book their spot in the title match.
In the end, the Strikers' controlled bowling and consistent batting proved too much for the Heat to handle, as they secured a hard-fought three-run victory to defend their WBBL crown.
This triumph marks a remarkable achievement for the Strikers, who have established themselves as a dominant force in the WBBL. They became the fourth team to bag two WBBL titles and the third after Brisbane and the Sydney Sixers to successfully defend the championship.
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