WBBL: Perth Scorchers beat ill-fated Sydney Thunder to claim statement victory
A spectacular show on the field and a Sophie Devine masterclass with the bat gave the Perth Scorchers the best possible start to their WBBL title defense as they defeated the Sydney Thunder by nine wickets.
The Scorchers dominated their opponents at 4-17 and never relinquished control with a clear signal that they were going for their second straight title.
Sydney were restricted to just 8-88 in 20 overs and the home side at Blacktown International Sportspark got little respite from an all-around excellent bowling effort.
Lily Mills (2-12 in 4 overs) and Marisanne Cup (2-15 in 4 overs) had a dismal new-ball combination, hitting in the first three overs by dismissing starters Tammy Beaumont and Phoebe Lichfield. .
Then Mills and Cup combined to influence a runout by Thunder star Rachel Haynes to wind up the Thunder by just two.
A 54-run partnership between Talia Wilson and Annika Lealoyd allowed Sydney to save face, but players like Alana King (2-17 in 4 overs) and Devine (1-16 in 4 overs) were in the clamps. There were few boundaries because we kept the . .
Learoyd fell victim to a spectacular catch from Perth’s Maddy Green while trying to improve his scoring percentage. After dancing the track and lifting the King into a deep midwicket, Diving Green put the Ripper into the pouch at full speed, making him an early contender for the catch of the season.
When it was their turn at bat, the Scorchers quelled any hopes of a similar collapse as Devine and skipper Beth Mooney headed to work quickly and efficiently.
The pair forged a game-high partnership of 55 in practically Ramball before Mooney became Perth’s only wicket.
Devine hit four boundaries with 44 undefeated from 42 deliveries, earning Player of the Match honors.
“It’s a completely new season, so I probably don’t want to talk about title defenses,” said Devine.
“This is not a title we own, it’s a WBBL title. It’s certainly the language we use as a group because everyone starts from scratch.
“We will fight to win this competition again this year, and we are really looking forward to it.”
The Scorchers will face Hobart in the second leg of their back-to-back on Monday.
WBBL: Perth Scorchers beat ill-fated Sydney Thunder to claim statement victory
Source link WBBL: Perth Scorchers beat ill-fated Sydney Thunder to claim statement victory