Perth Scorchers Crush Sydney Thunder by 74 Runs in WBBL Clash
In a dominant display, the Perth Scorchers defeated the ladder-leading Sydney Thunder by a convincing margin of 74 runs in their Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) encounter at Drummoyne Oval on Tuesday night.
Teenage sensation Chloe Ainsworth continued her stellar start to the season, spearheading the Scorchers’ victory with impressive figures of 2 for 15. The 19-year-old seamer made early inroads into the Thunder’s chase, dismissing last year’s WBBL MVP Chamari Athapaththu and opener Georgia Voll in her opening overs.
“I don’t think I would like to be batting out there with Ainsworth out there firing, but that’s the umpire’s call,” said Thunder coach Lisa Keightley after the match. “And they gave it to the players, so that is interesting.”
Batting first, the Scorchers posted a competitive total of 171 for 7, thanks to a solid contribution from veteran all-rounder Sophie Devine, who scored 48 off 34 balls. Dayalan Hemalatha also provided valuable support with a brisk 41 off 26 deliveries.
In response, the Thunder struggled to keep pace with the required rate, eventually being bowled out for a mere 97 in the 20th over. The home side’s innings unraveled after the dismissal of captain Phoebe Litchfield, who had threatened to mount a comeback with a 32-run partnership alongside Heather Knight.
The result ended the Thunder’s four-match winning streak and saw the Scorchers climb from fifth to second position on the WBBL ladder. Ainsworth’s continued success this season has further enhanced her reputation, with the teenage prodigy now boasting nine wickets at an impressive average of 12.88.
The match was not without its drama, as one of the light towers at Drummoyne Oval went out during the Thunder’s chase. Umpires consulted both teams, and the Thunder captain Litchfield opted to continue the innings despite the reduced lighting conditions.
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