Sydney Thunder returned to the winners’ list with a brilliant 18-run victory over the Melbourne Stars at Manuka Oval.
After six consecutive defeats, Thunder came out firing in Canberra.
Naomi Stalenberg (30 runs from 21 deliveries) rediscovered her best form, while Alex Blackwell (65 from 47) showed exactly why she’s one of the best in the business.
Defending 162, Rene Farrell (2/28) was clutch with ball in hand.
This was a BIG wicket from @Fezzy88Rene! 🙌 #ThunderNation pic.twitter.com/zqarfCE633
— Sydney Thunder WBBL (@ThunderWBBL) November 27, 2019
The veteran pulled off a wicket-maiden in the second over, dismissing the dangerous Lizelle Lee for a duck, before claiming the key wicket of Elyse Villani to quell the Stars' momentum.
THE TEAMS
Thunder made two changes to its side, with Rene Farrell and Saskia Horley replacing Nida Dar and Rachel Trenaman.
The Stars made no changes to its side after a win against cross-town rivals the Melbourne Renegades on Saturday.
Thunder: Rachael Haynes (C), Sam Bates, Alex Blackwell, Hannah Darlington, Rene Farrell, Lisa Griffith, Saskia Horley, Shabnim Ismail, Phoebe Litchfield, Rachel Priest, Naomi Stalenberg
Stars: Elyse Villani (C), Mignon Du Preez, Nicole Faltum, Holly Ferling, Tess Flintoff, Nicola Hancock, Alana King, Lizelle Lee, Erin Osborne, Madeline Penna, Annabel Sutherland
THE BIG MOMENT
The wicket of Elyse Villani in the twelfth over.
The Stars skipper was looking very dangerous before she was caught by Blackwell off the bowling of Farrell.
Villani had scored a quickfire 43 runs from 35 deliveries to keep her side right in the game.
Her wicket turned the momentum back in Thunder’s favour.
PERFORMANCE OF THE MATCH
Alex Blackwell put on a batting masterclass in the first inning.
The veteran scored a brilliant 65 runs from 47 deliveries to lead Thunder to a strong total of 162.
Her highest personal score of the season included nine fours and one six.
THE NEXT STOP
Thunder head to Melbourne to take on the Renegades on Sunday 1 December (Junction Oval, 10:40am).
Fans across the Thunder Nation can watch live on the Seven Network and Fox Cricket.
The game will also be live streamed on cricket.com.au, with radio coverage from ABC Grandstand.
BBL|09 TICKETS
Saturday 21 December 2019 | Vs Adelaide Strikers | Manuka Oval | 6.10pm
Thursday 2 January | Vs Melbourne Stars | Sydney Showground Stadium | 3.40PM
Monday 6 January | Vs Brisbane Heat | Sydney Showground Stadium | 7.10PM
Saturday 11 January | Vs Hobart Hurricanes | Sydney Showground Stadium | 6.10PM
15 January 2020 | Vs Melbourne Renegades | Manuka Oval | 6.10pm
Saturday 18 January | Vs Sydney Sixers | Sydney Showground Stadium | 7.10PM
Sunday 26 January | Vs Perth Scorchers | Sydney Showground Stadium | 2.45PM
