Perth Scorchers have fallen short in their Weber WBBL|10 clash with Sydney Thunder at the Melbourne Cricket Ground this afternoon, defeated by seven wickets with six balls to spare.
Thunder take down Scorchers
The Thunder dropped five catches at the MCG on Friday and Beth Mooney cashed in, hammering 97 from 64 balls as the Scorchers posted 5-170.
But Voll wouldn't be outdone by the competition's all-time leading run-scorer, responding with an unbeaten 97 from 56 deliveries to steer the Thunder to 3-173 with one over remaining.
Mooney had looked like she would be the match-winner with the bat when she made the most of the Thunder's dropped catches.
The Scorchers star was put down three times before reaching 20 and again soon after ticking off another half-century.
Sophie Devine (44 off 33) was also given an early life by the Thunder and the experienced pair put on a 112-run partnership for the Scorchers' third wicket.
Devine fell to Taneale Peschel (3-28, four overs) and Mooney was out lbw to Shabnim Ismail (2-21, four overs) in the final over, falling narrowly short of what would have been her fourth WBBL century.
Amy Edgar (1-28, four overs) removed Knight and the Scorchers looked headed for victory when the Thunder's required run rate climbed above 10.
But Voll took charge with support from Anika Learoyd (nine off nine) to guide the Thunder home.
Here are the key takeaways from today’s match.
Incredible Mooney delivers
Star Scorchers opener Beth Mooney showed why she is the WBBL all-time leading run-scorer, striking her 43rd WBBL half-century to finish with 97 off 64 balls in a knock that included 11 boundaries.
Devine Decision!
Sophie Devine is a threat, no matter where she bats. Tuesday night against the Thunder saw a change in role, coming in at number four. It led to her highest score of the season (48 off 34) and today she showed again what a class act she is. She was just as effective in the middle order this afternoon, blasting 44 off 33 balls in a sign she’s back to her best.
Devine and Mooney the dynamic duo
When it comes to successful batting combinations in the WBBL, there has been none better than Sophie Devine and Beth Mooney. The dynamic pair were at it again at one of the most iconic venues in the world, producing a 112-run partnership for the third wicket to power the Scorchers to 5-170 off their 20 overs. They now own the most 100-run partnerships (10) in WBBL history.
Scorchers make first appearance on hallowed turf
It’s every young cricketer’s dream to play on the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground. The Scorchers have never played at the iconic venue in the 10-year history of the competition, until today. The competition continues to push it’s fixtures into bigger stadiums, with the Scorchers also playing at the Sydney Cricket Ground during this interstate block.
Important Matches to come
Every game in WBBL|10 has important ramifications, and today proved no different. The Scorchers round out their five-match road trip with fixtures against Adelaide Strikers (Tuesday 19 November) and Sydney Sixers (Thursday 21 November) next week before returning home to face Hobart Hurricanes on Saturday 23 November.
The Scorchers currently sit fourth on the WBBL|10 ladder with fours wins from seven matches.
A scorecard from today’s match can be accessed here
The Weber WBBL|10 ladder can be accessed here
MATCH DETAILS
Weber WBBL|10 – Game 8
Adelaide Strikers v Perth Scorchers
Tuesday 19 November. First ball 3:10PM, AWST.
Karen Rolton Oval, Adelaide
LIVE: Kayo, Foxtel, ABC Sport
Weber WBBL|10 – Game 9
Sydney Sixers v Perth Scorchers
Thursday 21 November. First ball 12:45PM, AWST.
Ninja Stadium, Hobart
LIVE: Kayo, Foxtel, Seven, ABC Sport
Weber WBBL|10 – Game 10
Perth Scorchers v Hobart Hurricanes
Saturday 23 November. First ball 5:55PM, AWST.
WACA Ground, Perth
LIVE: Kayo, Foxtel, ABC Sport