November 29, 2024

Redmayne, Rodrigues help Heat ease into WBBL final after bowlers restrict Thunder

Brisbane Heat delivered a strong performance to reach the WBBL final, defeating Sydney Thunder by nine wickets. Legspinner Parsons shone with figures of 3 for 10 as Heat bowled Thunder out for 133 for 7. In response, Heat easily chased down the target, scoring 134 for 1 in just 16.4 overs. Jemimah Rodrigues played a key role, hitting 43 off 30 balls before retiring hurt due to a left wrist injury she had aggravated while trying to save a boundary earlier. Although she was in visible discomfort, especially after a delivery from Taneale Peschel, Rodrigues’ innings set up the chase for Georgia Redmayne, who finished unbeaten on 53. Heat’s strong start after choosing to bowl first left Thunder struggling at 69 for 7. Thunder’s only highlight came from a record-breaking eighth-wicket stand of 64 runs between Peschel and Hannah Darlington, which lasted just 36 balls. With the final against Melbourne Renegades set for Sunday at the MCG, Heat will be concerned about Rodrigues’ fitness.

Redmayne and Rodrigues Power Heat Past Thunder

After losing control late in Thunder’s innings, Heat faced an early setback when opener Grace Harris was stumped in the second over while attempting to charge left-arm spinner Samantha Bates. Jemimah Rodrigues, despite a fortunate reprieve with drops on 0, 25, and 30, played a pivotal role with her creative batting. She formed a strong 75-run second-wicket partnership with Redmayne, who was dominant on the back foot. However, Rodrigues’ discomfort grew as her innings progressed, leading her to retire early. Her fitness will be a key concern heading into the WBBL final and the upcoming ODI series between India and Australia.

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Thunder Regret Missed Opportunities

After finishing their innings with strong momentum, Thunder’s hopes took a hit due to missed chances in the field. Rodrigues was first dropped on 0 by Anilka Learoyd at backward point off Shabnim Ismail, who later also missed a chance at mid-off. The missed opportunities continued when wicketkeeper Tahlia Wilson couldn’t hold onto a tough chance with an outstretched glove. These errors sealed Thunder’s fate, ending their season on a disappointing note.

Jonassen Shines with Key Performances

Rain before the match set the stage for overcast conditions, prompting Heat captain Jess Jonassen to choose to bowl first. It proved to be an inspired decision as spin from Charli Knott proved effective from the start, and extra bounce kept the Thunder batters on edge. Knott put pressure on opener Chamari Athapaththu, increasing the spotlight on Georgia Voll, who was making her debut in the Australia ODI team. Voll, playing against her former team, looked promising, scoring 20 of Thunder’s 25 runs in the powerplay. However, she fell on the first ball of the fifth over, chopping onto a wide delivery from seamer Nicola Hancock.

Jonassen made her entry into the attack at the right moment, claiming a crucial first-ball wicket to dismiss Athapaththu in the eighth over. She further shone with a superb catch at mid-off to remove Phoebe Litchfield, who had been trying to accelerate after the drinks break. Legspinner Grace Parsons controlled the middle overs, and Thunder’s batting collapse was sealed when Jonassen dismissed Sammy-Jo Johnson in the 14th over.

Despite a challenging finish that impacted her figures, Jonassen led from the front during Heat’s strong finish to the season, a welcome boost after missing out on a spot in Australia’s recent T20 World Cup squad.

Darlington and Peschel Set Record with Stand

Thunder’s batting throughout the season had depended on strong performances from Voll and Litchfield at the top of the order. However, in the Challenger against Heat, both players failed to make an impact, and the middle order crumbled as batters repeatedly struggled to execute aggressive shots. Thunder seemed destined for a total below 100, but a late surge in the 16th over brought some hope. Peschel took advantage of the power surge, swinging aggressively, before Darlington stepped up with a powerful display, targeting the boundary with relentless shots. Their efforts pushed Thunder to a respectable score, but it was still far from enough to challenge Heat’s dominance.

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