Source: Cricbuzz

In a match that had fans on the edge of their seats until the very last over, the Hobart Hurricanes maintained their pristine unbeaten record in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 2025, thanks to a sensational, unbeaten knock of 72 from their star batter, Amy Wyatt-Hodge. The Hurricanes clinched a dramatic four-wicket victory over the Adelaide Strikers with just two balls to spare, showcasing immense resilience and strategic brilliance under pressure.

The highly anticipated clash, a marquee fixture in the WBBL 2025 calendar, lived up to its billing, delivering a spectacle of top-tier T20 cricket. Played under clear skies at a packed Bellerive Oval, the encounter was a testament to the growing excitement and competitiveness of women’s franchise cricket.

Strikers Set a Formidable Target

Winning the toss and opting to bat first, the Adelaide Strikers got off to a confident start. Their openers, Laura Wolvaardt and Katie Mack, laid a solid foundation, putting on a brisk 50-run partnership within the powerplay. Wolvaardt, known for her elegant stroke play, looked in ominous touch, finding the boundaries with ease against the Hurricanes’ pace attack. Mack provided excellent support, rotating the strike and punishing any loose deliveries.

The Hurricanes’ bowlers, however, clawed their way back into the contest in the middle overs. Skipper Nicola Carey brought herself into the attack and immediately broke the partnership, trapping Mack (28 off 21 balls) in front. Shortly after, a sharp piece of fielding from Molly Strano resulted in the run-out of the dangerous Wolvaardt (42 off 30 balls), stemming the flow of runs.

Despite these setbacks, the Strikers’ middle order, spearheaded by the dynamic Tahlia McGrath (38 off 29 balls) and a late cameo from Madeline Penna (25* off 15 balls), ensured they posted a challenging total. McGrath’s innings was a mix of calculated risks and powerful hitting, showcasing her ability to accelerate when needed. Penna’s late flurry of boundaries, including two sixes in the penultimate over, pushed the Strikers to a competitive 158 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs. For the Hurricanes, Heather Graham was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with impressive figures of 2 for 28 from her four overs, including crucial wickets at key junctures.

Hurricanes’ Rocky Start and Wyatt-Hodge’s Arrival

Chasing 159 for victory, the Hobart Hurricanes’ innings began precariously. They lost opener Lizelle Lee early, caught at mid-off attempting an ambitious drive. The pressure mounted when Elyse Villani, after a couple of crisp boundaries, was undone by a brilliant inswinger from Strikers’ pacer Darcie Brown, leaving the Hurricanes reeling at 27 for 2 in the fourth over.

This early wobble brought Amy Wyatt-Hodge to the crease, joining captain Nicola Carey. The duo set about rebuilding the innings with a cautious yet purposeful approach. They focused on rotating the strike, taking singles, and punishing the occasional loose delivery. Their 45-run partnership for the third wicket stabilised the innings, but the required run rate continued to climb.

The Turning Point: Wyatt-Hodge Ignites the Chase

The turning point arrived in the tenth over. With the Hurricanes still needing over 9 runs an over, Wyatt-Hodge decided it was time to shift gears. She launched a massive six over long-on off McGrath and followed it up with a powerful boundary through covers. This burst of aggression seemed to energise the Hurricanes’ dugout and sent a clear message to the Strikers.

Even after the unfortunate run-out of Nicola Carey (21 off 25 balls) and the quick dismissal of Mignon du Preez (12 off 9 balls), Wyatt-Hodge remained unperturbed. She found an able partner in the lower order in Ruth Johnson, who played a crucial supporting role. Wyatt-Hodge’s innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression. She meticulously picked her moments to attack, hitting five fours and three towering sixes during her stay at the crease. Her ability to find gaps in the field and convert ones into twos kept the scoreboard ticking relentlessly.

A Nail-Biting Finish: Calm Under Pressure

As the match entered its final five overs, the tension was palpable. The Hurricanes needed 45 runs from 30 balls. Wyatt-Hodge was on a mission, playing fearless cricket. She expertly negotiated the Strikers’ death bowlers, who were trying every trick in the book – slower balls, yorkers, and wide deliveries – to stop her.

With 18 runs needed off the last two overs, the Strikers’ experienced pacer, Megan Schutt, was tasked with bowling the penultimate over. Wyatt-Hodge, however, seemed to anticipate her plans, smashing a boundary off the first ball and then cleverly rotating the strike. A quick couple of twos and a single from Johnson meant 10 runs came off Schutt’s over, leaving the Hurricanes needing 8 runs off the final over.

The crowd erupted as rookie spinner Ella Wilson, bowling her first over in a pressure situation, was handed the ball for the final six deliveries. Wyatt-Hodge, on 67*, was on strike. The first ball was a wide, immediately easing some pressure. The next ball, a full toss, was dispatched with disdain over mid-wicket for a boundary, bringing the equation down to 3 runs off 5 balls. The Strikers’ shoulders sagged. With nerves of steel, Wyatt-Hodge elegantly dabbed the third ball of the over through backward point for two runs, sealing her magnificent 72 not out off just 48 deliveries. The winning run, a single, came off the fourth ball, with two balls to spare, sparking jubilant celebrations in the Hurricanes’ camp.

Implications for WBBL 2025

This thrilling victory not only preserved the Hobart Hurricanes’ unbeaten streak but also sent a strong message to the rest of the league. Their ability to chase down a competitive total under immense pressure, particularly after a shaky start, highlights their depth and mental fortitude. Wyatt-Hodge’s innings will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the standout performances of WBBL 2025, solidifying her reputation as a genuine match-winner.

For the Adelaide Strikers, it was a hard-fought battle where they showcased glimpses of brilliance but ultimately fell short. Their bowlers, despite putting up a valiant effort, couldn’t break Wyatt-Hodge’s resolve. They will need to regroup and focus on closing out tight games as the tournament progresses.

The WBBL 2025 continues to deliver enthralling contests, and the Hurricanes’ performance in this match firmly places them as strong contenders for the title. With their batting lineup showing such resilience and their bowlers capable of taking crucial wickets, they look like a formidable force going forward.

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Disclaimer: This article is based on news aggregated from multiple cricket sources. Cricket Mantra provides analysis and insights to cricket fans worldwide.