Hobart Hurricanes defeated Sydney Sixers by 19 runs to claim their first victory in the Women’s Big Bash League 2022 on Friday.
Heather Graham was the star of the game as she did a complete all-around performance and won the game for her team.
Earlier, M du Preez played an influential knock of 33 in 27 and then Graham’s unbeaten 17 helped Hobart to set a target of 126.
Women’s Big Bash League 2022: Hobart Hurricanes vs Sydney Sixers
Sydney Thunder after winning the toss opted to bowl, and their bowlers kept things tight for the opposition batters, especially Samantha Bates, who after restricting the batters removed skipper Elyse Villani.
Lizelle Lee and Rachel Trenaman then continued the steady pace and added 19 off 25 before Johnson dismissed Lee.
A 49-run partnership between Rachel Trenaman and M du Preez provided some relief to the Hobart camp’s. Trenamam, who was playing very decently trapped in by Tryon.
Preez was helping her side reach a respectable score, but she got stumped in the 18th over of the innings that further halted Hobart’s chances.
Preez scored the highest run for her team. She scored 33 off 27.
Heather Graham provided the side finishing touch with her unbeaten 17 in 15, as Hobart posted 125 for 5 on board in 20 overs.
Samantha Bates was the most economical of all. She in her 4 overs gave just 16 runs and took 2 wickets.
Sydney Sixers 126 in 20 overs
Women’s Big Bash League: In reply, Sydney started the campaign on a positive note, having scored 20 in 2.5 overs before Strano with her impressive delivery removed Tammy Beaumont.
The team was still in good touch despite losing the opener and went on to add another 21 in a low-scoring run-chase. Heather Graham provided breakthrough this time by dismissing Phoebe Litchfield for 25.
Anika Learoyd, who was seen struggling at the crease then left the field for 15 in 25.
And in the very next over, Nicola bowled out the Sydney skipper’s Rachael Haynes to put the team on back foot.
Chloe Tyron and Tahila Wilson then gave some hopes to their side by adding 32 for the fifth wicket, but there wickets at the crucial times dented Sydney chances a very big time.
The Thunder’s didn’t manage to recover from there on, and faced a sudden collapse. They only able to put 106 on board and lost the first game of the 2022 season by 19 runs.
Apart from Graham, who bagged 3 wickets. Molly Strano also grabbed 3. Nicola Carey dismissed 2 batters. While Maisey Gibson took a single wicket.
Player of the match – Heather Graham
Heather Graham won the player of the match trophy for her all-round performance. She not only remained unbeaten and helped her side to reach a decent total. But, later took 3 important wickets with a magical 4-over spell in which she gave only 15 runs.
Hobart will next play against Perth Scorchers on October 17.
