Women’s Big Bash League 2019, Standout player, best team – Belinda Vakarewa and Adelaide Strikers

Standout player- Belinda Vakarewa

Belinda Vakarewa’s devastating spell against Sydney Sixers Women had helped Hobart Hurricanes register their third win of the season a week back. She continued her good run with the ball and added four more scalps to her name to reclaim the top spot of most wickets chart. Her 3/17 against the table topper Brisbane Heat helped the Hurricanes put a good fight. Hurricanes were able to restrict the Heat to 157/9 but fell short of seven runs while chasing. The Hurricanes were part of another nail-biting fixture of this edition when they lost a game by only two runs to Adelaide Strikers. Vakarewa was expensive this time but one wicket in this match helped her move to the top again.

Standout team- Adelaide Strikers

Adelaide Strikers have emerged as the stand-out team of the week after two back to back brilliant showings. On November 23 they recorded a 2-run win against Hobart Hurricanes and credit goes to an all-round performance by the team. Suzie Bates’ 64 off 54 have the much-needed good start on which Amanda-Jade Wellington (3/23) created magic. Sarah Coyte’s brilliance in the last over did not allow the Hurricanes to chase down the required run. The next day saw Adelaide Strikers delivering another stunning performance as they managed to win a tied fixture.  The Strikers set a target of 162 runs and Sydney Thunder Women could score 161/6 in their 20 overs. Sophie Devine won the Super-Over for the Strikers to claim the second spot of the table.

Room for improvement- Sydney Sixers

Sydney Sixers are currently at the fourth position of that table, thanks to their slightly better Net Run Rate than  Melbourne  Renegades. With two fixtures in hand, the Sixers need to win at least one of them to have any chance of qualification for the next stage. They will be facing Adelaide Strikers in their last two fixtures. The Strikers have been consistent enough and holding the second position in the table currently.  Elyssa Perry’s absence is also a huge concern as she is not expected to make any comeback in this WBBL. The Sixers have to outperform to get their desired results.

Standout Quote – “I think the replay probably says what I think of the decision.”

Elyse Villani on Lizelle Lee’s controversial dismissal against Perth Scorchers.