Losing the toss and being sent into bat, things looked dire early for the Hurricanes, when stalwart at the crease this tournament, Rachel Priest, was dismissed for just eight runs in the second-over. The Hurricanes new-found opener in Nicola Carey rallied however, teaming up with South African, Chloe Tryon, for a 50-run partnership.
The wickets of both Carey (36) and Tryon (13) fell two balls apart in the 12th over, but the Hurricanes batters continued to rally. Lead by veteran, Emma Thompson, who was aided with some sharp running between the wickets by New Zealand replacement player, Hayley Jensen, Thompson’s unbeaten 33 off 23 balls left the Hurricanes with a respectable total to defend. At the end of their 20 overs, the Hurricanes sat at 6-134, setting the Scorchers a target of 135 to win.
When the Hurricanes’ opening bowler, Belinda Vakawera, limped from the field after injuring her knee and being unable to complete her first over, the second innings got off to a far from ideal start for the Hurricanes, and the Scorchers’ fierce opening duo of Sophie Devine and Beth Mooney pounced on the opportunity.
It was Devine’s first match back from injury, but she showed no signs of any ailment slowing her down, smashing an unbeaten 87 off 53 in a Player of the Match-performance. Not to be outdone, Mooney chipped in with 48 not out off 36, notching up her 3000th WBBL run in the process, and making her the first player to reach this milestone.
Devine and Mooney smashed their way to 0-140 in the 15th over, securing their side a 10-wicket win.
The Hurricanes will take on the Sydney Thunder at Drummoyne Oval tomorrow morning in their final match of the WBBL|06 season. The match will be broadcast on ABC Grandstand and live streamed at cricket.com.au and Kayo Sports from 9.30am AEDT.