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Adelaide Strikers have suffered a disastrous power surge as their push for back-to-back WBBL titles falters.
The Strikers lost 2-11 in the surge overs as Georgia Voll and Nicola Hancock struck in both overs.
Adelaide has lost 3-29 in 36 balls.
SCORE: 18 overs — Adelaide 5-110
READ MORE: HOW STRIKERS BUILT A WBBL SUPERPOWER
HEAT TURNS UP THE PRESSURE
Brisbane Heat has turned the pressure on Adelaide Strikers with a series of stingy overs.
Heat skipper Jess Jonassen also got the big wicket of Laura Wolvaardt stumped, leaving Adelaide with an uphill battle to reach its pre-determined target of 160.
Only nine runs were conceded in the 14th to 16th over, a huge period for the Heat.
HANCOCK WITH ANOTHER BIG WICKET
Nicola Hancock has struck another crucial blow for Brisbane Heat, removing Tahlia McGrath on the last ball of the 10th over.
McGrath and Laura Wolvaardt had combined for a partnership which had Adelaide in control before Hancock claimed her second wicket by bowling McGrath.
Strikers spinner Jemma Barsby says Adelaide is targeting at least 160 runs batting first.
HEAT BURNS REVIEW
Brisbane Heat has burned a review as it tries desperately to break a dangerous partnership between Tahlia McGrath and Laura Wolvaardt.
Jess Jonassen struck Wolvaardt on the pad and she was given not out despite vocal appeals from the Heat.
Brisbane opted to review but replays showed the ball was sliding down leg side.
McGrath and Wolvaardt have put on more than 50 and are setting te platform for a huge score.
MCGRATH, WOLVAARDT RESPOND TO EARLY PRESSURE
Captain Tahlia McGrath and Laura Wolvaardt have responded to early pressure from Brisbane Heat to have Adelaide Strikers in a strong position after the power play.
After batting first in the WBBL09 decider, the Strikers are 1-34 after four overs.
That included three consecutive boundaries for South African Wolvaardt off Heat skipper Jess Jonassen during the fourth over.
HANCOCK LANDS EARLY BLOW FOR HEAT
Nicola Hancock has landed a huge early blow for Brisbane Heat after Adelaide Strikers chose to bat first in the WBBL decider at Adelaide Oval.
Strikers opener Katie Mack was bowled after chopping an attempted pull shot onto her stumps with the second ball of Hancock’s first over in the powerplay.
“Might have just silenced the crowd for a split second,” says Mel Jones in commentary.
BAT FLIP: STRIKERS WIN TOSS, ELECT TO BAT
Adelaide Strikers have won the toss and will bat first in their home WBBL decider against Brisbane Heat.
Captain Tahlia McGrath had no hesitation opting to bat, saying she was looking forward to her side putting runs on the board for Brisbane to chase.
“We can’t wait…we’re hoping (the home crowd) make some noise for us,” McGrath said.
English all-rounder Dani Gibson has departed for international duties, but Adelaide welcomes back Darcie Brown.
Mikayla Hinkley is in for the Heat, replacing Bess Heath.
Heat skipper Jess Jonassen says she would have also batted.
“It’s no surprise they opted to bat first,” she said.
BOTH FINALISTS CLAIM ADVANTAGE AHEAD OF DECIDER
Ed Bourke
Both WBBL finalists claim they have been advantaged by the competition’s quirky finals system as the well travelled Brisbane Heat try to upset Adelaide’s bid for back-to-back titles on Saturday.
The Strikers have not had to play during the WBBL finals after finishing on top and qualifying directly for a home final at the Adelaide Oval, but the Heat were forced onto the road for two knockout clashes at home and then in Perth the next day in a madcap run to the
tournament decider.
Brisbane Heat captain Jess Jonassen said the chaotic travel schedule was “no disadvantage at all” for the away side, who have found form again after a late season slump with big wins over the Sydney Thunder and Perth Scorchers.
“It’s not a disadvantage at all, to be honest we actually weren’t too displeased we were going to Perth, because it meant we actually got the opportunity to play … the forecast in (Brisbane) was diabolical,” Jonassen said.
“All teams have been in a similar position with the amount of travel, but we’ve got some really good momentum at an ideal and opportunistic time, so we’re looking to go for one more.”
Opposing captain Tahlia McGrath disagreed, saying the Strikers stood to benefit from time off at home after a busy season which included playing “home” games at interstate venues as part of the packed schedule.
“I think it’s been an advantage — there’s been so much travel and it’s such a hectic schedule.
We’ve been able to spend the last four or five days at home, we had a couple of days off, a really good hitout with some centre wicket stuff and then it’s just been about getting the individual prep we need to be ready,” McGrath said.
“We’ve been in this situation four times in the last five years and we’ve kept that same core group for pretty much all those finals, so we’re really calm.
“We’re really excited and we’re stoked that it’s a home final, we haven’t played a grand final in front of the home crowd.
“And we’ve played some really good games at home this year, we’re undefeated at home and love it when we have that crowd supporting us.”
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