WBBL 2024: Heather Knight, Hannah Darlington guide Sydney Thunder to first victory of the season

In the seventh match of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 2024, Sydney Thunder emerged victorious over Hobart Hurricanes with a commanding 33-run win at North Sydney Oval.

Heather Knight steers Sydney Thunder to a respectable total

Asked to bat first in a rain-shortened 17 overs game, Thunder started with a cautious approach. Georgia Voll contributed 15 runs from 15 balls, while Chamari Athapaththu showcased her power-hitting, scoring 38 off 29 deliveries with 4 fours and 2 sixes. Atapattu’s aggressive stroke play set the foundation for Thunder’s innings before she was eventually dismissed. The star of the innings, however, was Heather Knight, who played a quickfire knock, hammering 48 off just 28 balls. Her innings was laced with seven fours and a six, lifting Thunder to a competitive total. Late contributions from Tahlia Wilson (13 off 13) and Anika Learoyd (10 off 5) added to the momentum as Thunder closed at 146/5.

For Hobart, Heather Graham was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 2/22 from her three overs, while Nicola Carey also bagged two wickets but conceded 25 runs. Despite some disciplined spells, Hobart’s bowlers were unable to contain the flow of runs, allowing Thunder to post a challenging total.

Also READ: WPL 2025 – Smriti Mandhana reacts as RCB trades Danielle Wyatt from UP Warriorz

Hobart Hurricanes’ falters under pressure

Chasing 147 for victory, Hobart’s innings stumbled early as Lizelle Lee (18 off 22) and Danielle Wyatt (7 off 6) struggled to find rhythm against Thunder’s disciplined bowling. Elyse Villani tried to anchor the innings with a patient 25 off 25 balls, while Heather Graham fought hard with an impressive 31 off 20, hitting three fours and two sixes. However, their efforts couldn’t prevent the Hurricanes from lagging behind the required run rate. They were eventually restricted for 113/8 in 17 overs.

Thunder’s bowling attack was led by Hannah Darlington, who delivered an exceptional spell, picking up 3/16 in her four overs. Chamari Athapaththu also impressed, taking 1/11 in her three overs, while Shabnim Ismail, Samantha Bates and Sammy Jo Johnson chipped in with key wickets. The Hurricanes’ middle and lower order couldn’t withstand the pressure, with only a few batters reaching double figures.

This win marked a solid all-round display for Sydney Thunder, who have now opened their account in the WBBL points table.

Also WATCH: Sophie Molineux pulls of a juggling catch to dismiss Lauren Winfield-Hill in WBBL 2024

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.