The Adelaide Strikers won the 2023 Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) after holding the Brisbane Heat to 125 runs in defense. Notably, tailender Mikayla Hinkley hammered the opening ball for six runs, and 11 runs were needed in the final three deliveries. Amanda Jade-Wellington, the bowler, was under pressure since the Heat were only one hit away from victory.
But Hinkley tried a glory shot on the next delivery, and although Amanda thought it was over, the ball went to Jemma Barsby, who was positioned at long off.
Amanda Jade expressed her emotions by saying that she was just praying for Barsby to pick up the ball and that her heart had stopped.
“My heart stopped. Jemma was setting up under it, about two meters in front of the line, when I noticed it. “Oh, come on, just hold it!” I exclaimed. I cried out in relief and happiness (after the catch). I have bowled a good number of super-overs and last-overs. I adore the pivotal and significant moments,” ESPN cricinfo cited Amanda as saying.
She executed for us what she knew she wanted to do: Tahlia McGrath
Tahlia McGrath, the captain of the Strikers, declared that Amanda was prepared to bowl the last over with the championship on the line. She had done something similar in the previous edition as well, but this time the circumstances were quite different. Sydney Sixers needed 23 runs in the last over to win on that particular occasion.
“Amanda had this expression on her face. She executed for us after deciding what she wanted to do. McGrath remarked, “It was remarkably similar to last year.”
In Adelaide, the Strikers, batting first, managed just 125 runs and required exceptional ball control to retain their title. The Strikers won the match by just three runs, but Amanda rose to the occasion and took three wickets to win Player of the Match. Megan Schutt and McGrath each took two wickets.