WBBL 2022: Dominant Brisbane Heat crush Hobart Hurricanes to secure spot in WBBL 08 Challenger
Brisbane Heat won by 44 runs [Source: Twitter]
The Eliminator of the ongoing Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) 2022 between the Brisbane Heat and Hobart Hurricanes witnessed a dominating show by Jess Jonassen-led XI.
With this 44-run win, the Heat will take on Adelaide Strikers in WBBL 08 Challenger tomorrow. The winner will face off against the Sydney Sixers in the final on Sunday.
Wyatt, Harris take Heat to 179
Put into bat, Brisbane scored swiftly thanks to England opener Danielle Wyatt, who turned the heat on the Hurricanes' attack. Wyatt, along with Georgia Redmayne, added 50 runs in the first powerplay. However, the Hobart bowlers struck back, picking up quick wickets in the form of Redmayne, Amelia Kerr, and Grace Harris.
Wyatt continued her merry ways, striking a 34-ball fifty. Amy Smith rattled Wyatt's woodwork for 52, bringing her team back into the match.
Georgia Voll and Laura Harris snitched a 54-run stand, with the latter contributing 44 runs. Nicola Carey stopped Harris' charge, which saw a dip in run rate.
Charli Knott (23*), in alliance with Nicola Hancock (15*), unfazed by disciplined bowling, played out the final four overs without much worry, adding 37 crucial runs, taking their side to 179 for 7 in 20.
Smith and Heather Graham claimed three and two wickets, respectively.
Jonassen 4-for downs Hurricanes' wind
Chasing a mammoth 180, Hurricanes openers Lizelle Lee and Elyse Villani came out all guns blazing. The pair battered and bruised their opposition bowlers, adding 50-odd runs within the first PowerPlay.
However, a mix-up between the two saw Villani run out for a 17-ball 25. Lee (47), lasted just a few more overs, only to hand Courtney Sippel her first scalp.
With the required run rate rising, Mignon du Preez and Heather Graham joined forces, with Hobart needing 99 off the final eight overs.
Brisbane skipper Jess Jonassen struck gold, cleaning up du Preez for 14. Carey, who struck a few lofty blows, lost her wicket to Knott.
Jonassen claimed her second wicket in Ruth Johnston, pegging down Hobart even further. The spinner picked the wickets of Hayley Jensen and Maisy Gibson to finish off the formalities for her side in the final over.
Amy Smith remained unbeaten on 1* as the Hurricanes ended up 44 runs short of their target, handing the Heat a place in the Challenger on Thursday.
Brief Scores
Brisbane Heat 179-7 (20)
Danielle Wyatt 52 (38), Laura Harris 44 (14);
Amy Smith 3-21 (4), Heather Graham 2-38 (4)
Hobart Hurricanes 135-9 (20)
Lizelle Lee 47 (42) Elyse Villani 25 (17);
Jess Jonassen 4-23 (4) Courtney Sippel 1-11 (3)
Brisbane Heat won by 44 runs
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