Perth Scorchers lifted their first Women’s Big Bash League trophy as they defeated Adelaide Strikers in a thrilling final.
After being asked to bat first, Perth Scorchers were welcomed with some fine fast bowling from Megan Schutt and Darcie Brown. The duo was attacking right from ball one but Sophie Devine, Beth Mooney was experienced enough to keep things under control.
Mooney got out after adding a 52-run partnership with Devine. The latter continued to score run-a-ball and kept the scoreboard ticking. Strikers had every under control until the final four overs.
Marizanne Kapp and Alana King picked the gaps well and added 18 runs in the last eight deliveries. Kapp scored unbeaten 31 from 23 while King had three fours for her 14* from 5. Scorchers got to a fighting total of 146.
Chasing a modest total, Katie Mack and Dane van Niekerk had no answers for Kapp’s fiery spell. That spell provided the base for the Scorchers’ attack as Strikers couldn’t get going. Mack and Niekerk both got dismissed for six respectively.
Laura Wolvaardt and Tahlia McGrath tried to rebuild the partnership and they added 55 runs for the third wicket. However, with the required run-rate peaking with every single delivery, the team needed boundaries. Both McGrath and Wolvaardt couldn’t time the ball well as they got out in the 14th and 15th over respectively.
In the end, Madeline Penna tried her best to keep the scoreboard ticking. The team left just too many for the finishers as Scorchers won the match by 12 runs. It was a heartbreak for Penna, who stood unbeaten on 30.
Kapp was awarded the player of the match for 1 for 25 and 31* from 23.
