In a thrilling turn of events, the Sydney Thunder have bounced back with a resounding 33-run triumph over the Hobart Hurricanes in the WBBL 2024. Under the astute leadership of Heather Knight, the Thunder displayed a dominant performance, showcasing their batting and bowling prowess.
Match Summary
- Sydney Thunder: 146 for 5 (Knight 48, Athapaththu 38)
- Hobart Hurricanes: 113 for 8 (Graham 31, Darlington 3-16)
- Result: Sydney Thunder won by 33 runs
Knight and Athapaththu Lead Thunder’s Charge
In an impressive display, imports Heather Knight and Chamari Athapaththu, along with savvy bowling from Hannah Darlington, helped the Sydney Thunder avenge their earlier season loss to the Hobart Hurricanes. Just three days after the Hurricanes triumphed by 31 runs in Hobart, the Thunder emerged victorious by 33 runs in a match reduced to 17 overs due to rain delays at North Sydney Oval.
Athapaththu contributed a quick 38 runs off 29 balls, while Knight top-scored with 48 runs off 28 balls, leading the Thunder to a competitive total of 146 for 5.
Strong Start but Sudden Collapse for the Hurricanes
The Hurricanes got off to a brisk start, smashing 18 runs off their first seven balls. However, their innings took a dramatic turn as they lost 5 wickets for just 13 runs in the latter overs, struggling to build on their initial momentum. The Thunder’s disciplined bowling proved pivotal, with Darlington claiming the crucial wickets of Lizelle Lee and Heather Graham.
Athapaththu rounded off a solid all-round performance by taking 1 for 11 in three overs, dismissing England star Danni Wyatt-Hodge.
Knight’s Impactful Innings
England captain Heather Knight, who missed the initial encounter, showcased her prowess with several exquisite shots that added much-needed momentum in the latter part of the innings. She struck an impressive **14 runs off the last three balls of a power surge over bowled by Molly Strano, including a lofty six and two well-placed fours.
“It was really nice when you start a competition to hit the ground running, and I thought ‘Atta’ was brilliant as well,” Knight told Seven. “We managed to get in a bit of a partnership there, and it set things up nicely for the end.”
Athapaththu’s Resilience After Early Setback
Athapaththu, who had a disappointing outing in the previous match with a first-ball duck, showed resilience after being dropped at deep midwicket when she had just 5 runs. Her innings featured sixes over deep midwicket and long off, but she fell to a remarkable one-handed low diving catch by Strano, who expertly intercepted a fierce drive.
“I didn’t have much time to think about it; it was a tracer bullet, so I’m pretty happy it just stuck,” Strano said.
Hurricanes’ Chase Falters
In response, Lizelle Lee clubbed boundaries off the first two balls of the Hurricanes’ chase and followed with three more in the opening over. Wyatt-Hodge also added excitement, belting a six over backward point off the first ball of the second over.
However, the Thunder struck back decisively, with Athapaththu claiming the crucial wicket of Wyatt-Hodge, who was caught at backward point. Nicola Carey, fresh off a fifty in the previous match, fell soon after, chopping a delivery from Shabnim Ismail onto her stumps.
Lee’s early aggression faded as she was adjudged lbw the first ball after the mid-innings break, though she would have been reprieved if DRS had been available.
A Promising Stand Followed by a Collapse
A brisk fourth-wicket partnership of 43 runs between Heather Graham and Elyse Villani provided the Hurricanes with a glimmer of hope. However, their dismissals in successive overs triggered a decisive collapse, leaving the Hurricanes stranded at 113 for 8.
Conclusion
With this win, the Sydney Thunder not only avenged their earlier defeat but also showcased their strength and depth. As the WBBL season progresses, fans will look forward to seeing how Knight, Athapaththu, and the rest of the Thunder squad continue to build on this victory.
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