In the final played against Adelaide Strikers at a jam-packed Allan Border Stadium, Brisbane Heat succeeded in defending their WBBL crown. The fans had been expecting an explosive encounter between the two heavyweights, but on Sunday morning it turned out to be a one-sided affair.
Heat won the toss at the beginning and elected to field and their bowlers proved the decision of their skipper correct by dismissing allrounder Sophie Devine in the second over of the innings from the Adelaide Strikers. The right-hand batter played off Georgia Prestwidge a mistimed shot and was caught by Maddy Green.
Beth Mooney Steers Brisbane Heat To Their Second Successive WBBL title for half Century
For the second wicket, Brisbane Heat skipper Suzie Bates and Tahila Mcgrath stitched a crucial 59-run partnership. However, as she tried to play a stroke over the covers off Amelia Kerr, Bates ‘inning came to a halt but ended up looking at the ball backward.
Amanda Wellington (55) ended up being Brisbane Heat’s only player to score in the final for a half-century. She was the main reason for the defending champions posting a total of 161 competitive runs.
Adelaide Strikers also did not get off to a strong start as they chased and lost their opener Maddy Green at a score of 27. Sammy-Jo Johnson took the crease after her dismissal and looked with the bat in full flow. In her one over, Johnson hit three straight sixes to Sophie Devine. She scored 27 runs off 11 balls and helped the Heat get a much-needed boost from her tiny cameo.
Mooney (56*) and Jess Jonassen (33) showed their experience in the final game of WBBL 2019 without losing their nerves.
For the third-wicket, the duo established a good 67-run partnership that kept the target under their radar. Eventually, Laura Harris (19 off 11 balls) also made a valuable contribution to the bat and helped Brisbane Heat go past the mark of 161 runs with 11 spare balls.
Tahila Mcgrath emerged as the best bowler in her bowling system for Adelaide Strikers. In the final of WBBL 2019, she bowled a good spell of 2/24. Besides, for scoring 769 runs and taking 19 wickets in her 16 outings, Sophie Devine was named the tournament’s player.
Brief Scores
Brisbane Heat Women vs Adelaide Strikers Women, Match Final
Brisbane Heat 7-161 in 20 overs (Amanda Wellington 55, Tahila McGrath 33; Jess Jonassen 2-30, Georgia Prestwidge 2-24)
Adelaide Strikers: 4-162 in 18.1 overs (Beth Mooney 56*, Jess Jonassen 33; Tahila McGrath 2-34)
Brisbane Heat Women won the WBBL 2019 final by 6 wickets
