WBBL 2023: Adelaide Strikers defends title, beats Brisbane Heat by three runs in closing

Defending champion Adelaide Strikers gained a record-equalling second Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) title, beating Brisbane Heat by three runs within the WBBL 2023-24 closing on the Adelaide Oval on Saturday.

Opting to bat first after profitable the toss, the Strikers posted 125 for 5 with anchor knocks from Laura Wolvaardt (39) and skipper Tahlia McGrath (38).

Featuring in its third WBBL closing, the Heat started positively within the chase earlier than the Strikers pulled issues again within the middle-overs. McGrath dismissed Mignon du Preez and Laura Harris off successive deliveries, leaving the Heat 4 down for 62.

Amelia Kerr and Charli Knott then constructed a 34-run stand for the fifth wicket earlier than Strikers seamer Megan Schutt dismissed the latter on 20. With 20 required off 12 deliveries, Schutt returned to scrub up Heat captain Jess Jonassen whereas conceding seven within the penultimate over.

Bowling the ultimate over, leg-spinner Amanda-Jade Wellington picked up two wickets on both facet of a six from Mikayla Hinkley to file the narrowest win in a WBBL closing.

The Strikers at the moment are the fourth staff to bag two WBBL titles and the third after Brisbane and the Sydney Sixers to efficiently defend the championship.