AFTER being the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) bridesmaids three times, Adelaide Strikers finally broke through for their first WBBL title, after they upset Sydney Sixers by 10 runs. Spearheaded by player of the match Deandra Dottin (52 not out and two wickets), the Strikers caused the upset and sent retiring star Tegan McPharlin off on a high.

The Strikers won the toss and decided to have a bat, and got off to a strong start, with openers Katie Mack and Laura Wolvaardt combining for a 51 run opening stance. However once Wolvaardt was caught and Mack was dismissed by hitting her own wickets, things slowed a little for the Strikers, and a number of wickets were lost very cheaply.

A powerful late innings cameo from Dottin got the Strikers back on track, and the Strikers ultimately posted a very competitive 5/147 from their 20 overs. Dottin was the top scorer, but Mack (31 runs) and Tahlia McGrath (24) also had helpful little cameos. Meanwhile for the Sixers, Sophie Ecclestone was the pick of the bowlers, picking up 2/19 from her four overs.

Although it was a very reachable total, the Sixers certainly did not show it. They lost their first wicket in the third over, and that started what was a really slow run chase. Unfortunately for them, they also unhelpfully kept losing wickets so by the time the drinks break came, they found themselves at 4/43.

They did start to pick up the pace in the back end of the innings, with the likes of the retiring Nicole Bolton (32 runs) and then Maitlin Brown (34 runs) picking up the pace of the innings a bit, but the damage was already done and the total proved too big to conquer in the end.

For the Strikers, the wicket taking duties were very evenly spread, with every bowler used picking up at least a wicket. However Dottin and Darcie Brown were the pick of the bowlers, picking up two each.