Sydney, Nov 28: The Women’s Big Bash League fixture between Adelaide Strikers and Sydney Thunder ended in controversy on Thursday as rain forced an abandonment with the Thunder needing just three runs to win.
Persistent showers had already reduced the contest in Adelaide to a five-overs-a-side affair. After winning the bat flip, the Thunder opted to bowl first, with the Strikers posting 45 for 2, powered largely by Laura Wolvaardt’s brisk 22 off 13 balls.
Thunder’s chase exploded into life through Phoebe Litchfield, who smashed four boundaries in Sophie Ecclestone’s opening over and added five more off Darcie Brown in the next. Although light drizzle returned during the innings, the umpires initially allowed play to continue as conditions had not visibly deteriorated.Litchfield struck another four off Amanda-Jade Wellington in the third over before taking a single that left the Thunder requiring just three runs from 13 balls. But just as the finish line loomed, the umpires held a lengthy discussion and surprisingly called for the covers, despite no noticeable increase in rainfall. (Agencies)
