Match Recap: Scorchers defeat Strikers

Match in a tweet: Strikers skittled by fiery Brunt as Scorchers crush the Strikers

The Score: Adelaide Strikers 9-82 (McGrath 27, Brunt 2-14)  in 20 oves lost to Perth Scorchers 4-85 in 15.5 overs (Bolton 28*, Knight 27*) by six wickets.

The hero: Katherine Brunt was fast, aggressive and accurate, putting the Strikers on the back foot right from the outset. The English import beat the bat on several occasions in her opening over before running out Alex Price in her follow through. Brunt then claimed the prized scalp of Sophie Devine with full and fast yorker that trapped Devine plumb in front for a duck. Just when a big partnership was looming, Brunt returned to the bowling crease to castle Bridget Patterson for 14 to end with figures of 2-14 from four overs.

The Support cast: After losing four quick wickets the Scorchers needed a partnership to avoid any further wobbles and it came in the form of Nicole Bolton (28 from 32 balls) and Heather Graham (27 from 22). The pair were extremely composed as they ate away at the target with some brilliant running between the wickets. They struck five boundaries between them to guide the Scorchers to a six-wicket win. 

Turning point: McGrath had powered to 27 from 31 balls and was looking to bat deep in the innings when her innings was cut short by unlucky run-out. McGrath’s wicket in the 13th over halted the Strikers from scoring a competitive total. 

The run-outs: The Strikers made it difficult for themselves with some dramatic running between the wickets. It all started in the second over when Brunt ran out Alex Price and it progressively got worse with three other batters being caught short of their ground. 

The consolation effort: Tahlia McGrath has been threatening to break free in the tournament and she finally left her mark with a fine knock of 27. Her high back lift and powerful wrists enabled her to whip ball on the stumps through the leg-side with ease. McGrath was also quick to get down to the spinners and lofting them inside out over the covers for boundaries. Unfortunately, her brilliant innings she was run out at the non-strikers end to cut short a brilliant innings. 

The next stop: The Scorchers now travel to Melbourne to take on the Renegades while the Strikers take on the Sixers at Adelaide Oval.