Nicola Carey led the way with the bat as Tamania started their domestic one-day campaign on a winning note in Canberra
Match Report:
ScorecardTigers launch title defence with emphatic victory
Tasmania have launched their Women’s National Cricket League title defence in style, cruising to a 120-run victory over ACT Meteors in Canberra.
Nicola Carey laid the foundation for the Tigers’ 8-303 with a 93-ball 90, with the less-experienced Meteors line-up unable to reel in the hefty target, bowled out for 183 in 42.4 overs at EPC Solar Park.
Debutant ACT quick Amy Hunter enjoyed a dream start when she removed former South Africa opener Lizelle Lee for 14, and Carly Leeson bowled the dangerous Elyse Villani for 28.
Jannatul Sumona picked up a huge scalp of her own when she held onto a return chance to dismiss Australian allrounder Heather Graham for seven.
But Carey could not be countered, hitting 11 boundaries before she holed out on 90, throwing her head back in dismay as a one-day century went begging.
Naomi Stalenberg kept up the momentum for the Tigers hitting 75 off 98 balls, while young leg-spinner Amy Smith (29no off 21) made a late cameo to push Tasmania’s total above 300.
Making matters more difficult for the Meteors was the early loss of key quick Holly Ferling, who suffered a side strain after bowling just 1.1 overs and was unable to take any further part in the match.
Tassie quick Hayley Silver-Holmes (2-27) then struck the first blow bowling Kayla Burton (1) in the third over of ACT’s chase, and Molly Strano (1-37) made the hosts’ task even tougher when she removed captain Katie Mack (7) cheaply.
Rebecca Carter (49 off 68) and Annie Wikman (43) put on 55 runs for the third wicket but once their stand was broken by spinner Sasha Moloney, the wickets continued to fall with the next highest input coming from rookie keeper-bat Paris Bowdler (18).
The teams will meet again at the same venue on Tuesday.