A brilliant knock from Georgia Voll powered the Sydney Thunder to their highest-ever successful chase in a vital Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) win over the Perth Scorchers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Friday. Voll’s unbeaten 97 off 56 deliveries anchored the Thunder’s chase of 171, sealing victory with a full over to spare.
Voll Shines Bright in Crucial Encounter
The 21-year-old Queenslander, who joined the Thunder from Brisbane Heat this season, delivered a sensational performance that cemented her status as one of the WBBL’s standout recruits. Following her career-best 92 just two weeks ago, Voll combined ten boundaries and a six in a masterful innings that started cautiously before shifting gears. She reached 17 off her first 15 balls but dominated the latter stages of the innings to guide her team home.
Mooney’s Knock Sets the Stage
Earlier, Australian star Beth Mooney showcased her class with a remarkable 97 off 64 balls. Despite being dropped four times, Mooney’s innings helped the Scorchers post a formidable 5-170. Her early let-offs could have been costly, but Voll credited the Thunder for maintaining composure.
“When you drop a player like Moons, you can really pay for it, and we probably did,” Voll admitted. “But we kept our cool and came back strongly.”
Turning the Tide
The Thunder faced a steep required run rate of 10 runs per over after captain Phoebe Litchfield was dismissed for 31 in the 10th over. Litchfield’s stumping off Sophie Devine’s bowling left the Thunder at 2-72. However, Voll held her nerve, receiving crucial support from England’s Heather Knight, who contributed 28 off 24 balls. Anika Learoyd also played her part with a timely boundary to ease the pressure when the Thunder needed 21 off the final 14 balls.
A Special Moment
Voll, named Player of the Match, reflected on the significance of her innings and the experience of playing at the iconic MCG for the first time.
“It was a very special innings and probably one of the best wins I’ve been a part of,” Voll said. “To be there at the end and steer us home was incredibly special. Stepping onto the MCG for the first time and training here was an unforgettable experience. To contribute in such a crucial game made it even better.”
Thunder’s Redemption
The win marked a stunning turnaround for the Thunder, who had suffered a 74-run defeat to the Scorchers just days earlier in Sydney. Both teams entered the match with 4-2 records, but Voll’s brilliance handed the Thunder the upper hand in this pivotal contest.
With Voll in such scintillating form, the Thunder have bolstered their position in the tournament and reinforced their credentials as strong title contenders.
