WBBL 2024, Knockout | ST-W vs HB-W Preview: Key Players And Stats, Live Streaming, Pitch Report, Probable XIs

WBBL 2024 season knockout game to begin on November 27 [Source: @ThunderBBL, @WBBL/X.com]

The playoff stage of the Women's Big Bash League 2024 season will begin with a knockout game between Sydney Thunder Women and Hobart Hurricanes Women. The do-or-die match will be held at Drummoyne Oval in Sydney on November 27, 2024, from 1:45 PM IST.

ST-W vs HB-W: Match Details And Live Streaming

ST-W vs HB-W: Sydney Thunder Women

Sydney Thunder Women finished third on the points table with 13 points in 10 games. However, they lost the final league game to Melbourne Renegades Women by 9-wicket margin. The batters didn't perform up to the mark, and Thunder were bundled up for 133. Skipper Phoebe Litchfield was the highest scorer with 30 off 17 balls.

Needless to say, the total was never enough, and Hayley Matthews' 60 off 37 balls carnage completely outclassed Thunder out of the contest. Regardless, Sydney Thunder Women's strength this season has been their consistency. With Georgia Voll and Litchfield anchoring the batting lineup and Shabnim Ismail and Samantha Bates taking charge with the ball, the Thunder are favourites heading into the high-stake knockout game.

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ST-W vs HB-W: Hobart Hurricanes Women

On the other hand, Hobart Hurricanes Women finished fourth on the points table with 10 points in 10 games. In the previous do-or-die league game against Perth Scorchers Women, Hurricanes restricted the opposition to just 138 runs total. Amy Smith picked 3 wickets in her 4 overs spell for just 17 runs. That being said, the chase kicked off on a strong note, with Lizelle Lee and Elyse Villani putting up 50 runs. 

However, a mini middle-order collapse induced by Sophie Devine's smart bowling pushed Hurricanes on the backfoot. Before things could get worse, Kathryn Bryce's 34 off 24 balls resistance helped the Hurricanes finish the chase with 14 balls to spare. Given the recent form, Hobart Hurricanes Women are also evenly poised to win the knockout stage. Hence, the upcoming contest is expected to be entertaining for fans.

ST-W vs HB-W: Pitch Report

Traditionally, the surface at Drummoyne Oval tends to favor batters, especially in the early overs of the innings. The ball comes onto the bat nicely, allowing players to play through the line. The surface will offer some turn for spinners as the game wears on. Variations in pace and flight could be key weapons for slower bowlers. Given the pressure of the knockout game, the team winning the toss should bat first.

ST-W vs HB-W: Key Players & Stats

• Hannah Darlington: 9 wickets in last 5 innings at Drummoyne Oval
• Lizelle Lee: 376 runs in 10 games; Average: 41.78; SR: 163.48
• Georgia Voll: 310 runs in 10 games; Average: 34.44; SR: 147.62
• Samantha Bates: 19 wickets in 10 games; Average: 12.11; Economy: 6.57

ST-W vs HB-W:  Probable Playing XIs

Sydney Thunder Women: Georgia Voll, Chamari Athapaththu, Phoebe Litchfield (c), Tahlia Wilson (wk), Georgia Adams, Anika Learoyd, Sammy-Jo Johnson, Hannah Darlington, Taneale Peschel, Shabnim Ismail, Samantha Bates

Hobart Hurricanes Women: Lizelle Lee (wk), Elyse Villani (c), Nicola Carey, Heather Graham, Suzie Bates, Tabatha Saville, Kathryn Bryce, Molly Strano, Amy Smith, Lauren Smith, Rosemary Mair

ST-W vs HB-W: Winner Prediction

Sydney Thunder Women and Hobart Hurricanes Women fought extremely hard in league stages to qualify for playoffs. However, given recent form and squad balance, Sydney Thunder are most likely to win and advance to the next round.

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