Strikers Strike Again: Adelaide Clinches Back-to-Back WBBL Titles in a Thrilling Final

Adelaide Strikers have cemented their dynasty, claiming back-to-back Weber Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL 09) titles after a nail-biting three-run victory over the Brisbane Heat.

In a pulsating final witnessed by a record-breaking Adelaide Oval crowd of 12,379, the Strikers, who finished the regular season as minor premiers, defied early batting woes and a valiant Heat fightback to clinch the championship.

Amanda-Jade Wellington Spells Victory of Adelaide Strikers 

A recurring pattern is emerging as Amanda-Jade Wellington consistently delivers crucial performances to secure victories in the WBBL finals.

In the latest instance, for the second consecutive year, captain Tahlia McGrath relied on her star leg-spinner to bowl the final over with the championship at stake. Last season at North Sydney Oval, facing a challenging target of 23 runs from the last six balls, Wellington held the opposition to 12 runs.

In the current season, with a record home crowd at Adelaide Oval, the Heat required 13 runs for victory. Once again, Wellington demonstrated her prowess in high-pressure situations, ensuring a narrow three-run victory and securing back-to-back titles for her team.

Heat Fizzle Out Despite Knott’s Spark

The Heat’s hopes flickered briefly when big-hitter Charlie Knott attempted to revive their stuttering middle-order, but her 20-run knock was snuffed out in the 16th over.

Jess Jonassen, Brisbane’s last beacon of hope, smashed a six but was bowled by Megan Schutt for five, leaving her side teetering.

Voll’s dismissal three balls later, with the Heat still needing 11 runs, sent a collective groan through the Brisbane camp. Adelaide’s Madeline Penna then pouched a crucial catch to send the home crowd into a frenzy.

The Strikers’ victory was hard-fought, especially after losing their star opener, Katie Mack, for just five runs in the first over. However, they clung on, defying a late Heat surge and their own shaky start with the bat.

Schutt’s Emotional Triumph & Bold Prediction

Striker Megan Schutt, visibly moved by the emotional rollercoaster of the final, spoke to Fox Cricket after the win.

“I’m a bit emotional, actually,” Schutt confessed. “It was touch-and-go, let’s not lie about that, but we knew if we could bowl well (we could win).”

With champagne corks popping and confetti raining down, Schutt, brimming with confidence, issued a bold declaration for the future.

As the celebrations continue in Adelaide, one thing is certain: Adelaide Strikers were the best bowling team of the WBBL 09 and when it mattered the most, their bowlers stood up to their reputation and delivered it for team when it mattered most.