Sydney Thunder advanced to within one victory of the WBBL grand final, thanks to an outstanding performance by captain Phoebe Litchfield, who guided her side to a six-wicket win over Hobart Hurricanes at Drummoyne Oval. Thunder will now face Brisbane Heat in the Challenger match, with the winner set to meet Melbourne Renegades in the final at the MCG.
Litchfield Leads a Tense Chase
Chasing 127 for victory in the knockout final, Sydney Thunder found themselves under pressure with 26 runs required from the last three overs. However, Litchfield and Anika Learoyd rose to the occasion, taking control of the chase.
The decisive moment came in the 18th over when the pair scored 16 runs off Heather Graham. Litchfield then smashed Nicola Carey for a six at the start of the 19th over, leaving Thunder on the brink of victory. She was eventually bowled for 46 off 36 balls while attempting to finish the game in style, but by then, the outcome was almost certain.
Litchfield’s composed innings included five boundaries and showcased her ability to manage pressure. Her pivotal knock came after the Hurricanes missed a stumping opportunity when she was on 23, a moment they would come to regret as Thunder still needed 42 runs at that point.
Learoyd provided excellent support with an unbeaten 23 off 24 balls, while opener Chamari Athapaththu set the tone earlier with a quickfire 31 and also contributed with the ball, claiming 2 for 24.
Hurricanes Struggle Despite Villani’s Effort
Hobart Hurricanes were restricted to 126 for 6 after a shaky start saw them reduced to 47 for 4 in the first 10 overs. Elyse Villani offered resistance with an unbeaten 49, holding the innings together, but her efforts were not enough to set a challenging total.
Athapaththu’s all-round brilliance shone as she dismissed Carey for 1 and Graham for 10. Meanwhile, Litchfield was instrumental in the field, taking two smart catches, and Taneale Peschel delivered a crucial breakthrough by removing Lizelle Lee for 23.
Despite disciplined bowling performances from Molly Strano (1 for 8 in four overs) and Amy Smith (1 for 17 in three overs), the Hurricanes couldn’t prevent Litchfield and Learoyd from sealing the win.
Thunder’s Path Ahead
The victory sets up an exciting clash between Sydney Thunder and Brisbane Heat in the Challenger match on Friday night. The winner will take on Melbourne Renegades in Sunday’s grand final, with Thunder now carrying momentum and confidence after their captain’s stellar show.
