WBBL 2022: Tahlia McGrath runs riot as Adelaide Strikers thump Hobart Hurricanes

Tahlia McGrath in action vs Hurricanes [Source: Twitter]

In the first match of the triple-header day of the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) 2022, the Adelaide Strikers emphatically prevailed over the Hobart Hurricanes. Skipper Tahlia McGrath's unbeaten 93-run innings sees her side jump up to the fourth position, just behind the Hurricanes, who are ahead on net run rate.

Mignon du Preez holds Hurricanes' innings together

The Hurricanes' innings never got going, with regular wickets tumbling. Lizelle Lee, Elyse Villani, and Rachel Trenaman went back into the hut without contributing much, as the ever-consistent Mignon du Preez held the fort for their side.

Preez single-handedly kept Hobart's innings going, while Jemma Barsby and Amanda Wellington choked the other batters for runs.

Ruth Johnson provided some resistance down the order, making a 17-ball 25, but soon fell to Darcie Brown.

South African batter Preez reached her 16th fifty in WBBL and launched an onslaught on Strikers. She scored a brillant 75 off 47 as her side folded for a respectable 154.

Barsby and Wellington claimed three and two wickets, respectively.

The 'Tahlia McGrath' Show

In reply, Adelaide lost opener Laura Wolvaardt in the first over, much to the Hurricanes' delight. However, skipper McGrath and Katie Mack had other plans as the pair ran riot in the coming overs. 

The duo added 77 runs in no time, bringing down the required run rate considerably. As always, Nicola Carey provided Hobart with a sniff, getting the better of Mack for 29.

McGrath, unfazed, registered her fifth WBBL fifty as she was joined by the experienced Deandra Dottin.  

The pair brought up their 50-run partnership in 40 deliveries.

McGrath remained unbeaten on 93*, while Dottin remained not out on 20* as the former slammed 20 runs off Heather Graham's over to notch up Adelaide's eight-wicket win. 

Brief Scores

Hobart Hurricanes 154 all out (19.4)

Mignon du Preez 75 (47), Ruth Johnston 25 (17);

Jemma Barsby 3-27 (4), Amanda Wellington 2-40 (2)

Adelaide Strikers 155-2 (14.5)

Tahlia McGrath 93* (51), Katie Mack 29 (22);

Nicola Carey 1-11 (2), Hayley Jensen 1-30 (3)

Adelaide Strikers won by 8 wickets. 

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