CRIK:Strikers set Heat 162 to win WBBL final

WBBL Final Innings Update By Ed Jackson BRISBANE, Dec 8 AAP - A counter-attacking innings by Adelaide's Amanda-Jade Wellington has helped the Strikers set Brisbane a victory target of 162 in Sunday's WBBL final. Wellington made 55 off 33 deliveries to lift the Strikers from 5-93 at one stage of their innings to 7-161 off their 20 overs at a sold-out Allan Border Field in Brisbane. Sent in by the Heat, Adelaide suffered an early setback when star allrounder Sophie Devine fell in the second over for just five. In a surprise move, Georgia Prestwidge (2-24) took the new ball and it paid off with Devine top-edging the fast bowler to deep third man in a crucial early blow. It meant Devine finished with 769 runs at 76.90 for the tournament, just eight behind Ellyse Perry's record tally for a season of 777 from last year's competition. A 59-run second-wicket partnership between Tahlia McGrath (33) and Suzie Bates (27) steadied the Strikers, but the pair fell in quick succession to leave the Strikers at 3-67. A brilliant stumping by Heat wicketkeeper Beth Mooney saw off Katie Mack (6), before Bridget Patterson (12) holed out off Prestwidge to leave the Strikers reeling at 5-93 in the 14th over. Wellington combined with Tegan McPharlin (18) to lift the Strikers to a defendable total as they chased their first WBBL title. Brisbane can secure back-to-back crowns if they reach the target.

AAP EJ/TK/AJW 08-12-19 1616