IT was the big names from the Queensland Fire that brought them the win in a closely fought finish at Adelaide Oval on Saturday.

Batting first on a warm day, Queensland’s opening partnership consisted of two experienced batters who found two different fortunes out on the pitch. Lauren Winfield-Hill (12 off 18) and Georgia Redmayne got off to a solid start before the former was adjudged LBW off the bowling of pacer Courtney Neale.

Redmayne continued through the innings making an unbeaten 125 off 139 balls which included 14 fours. Her knock was match-winning in the end with South Australia not being able to dismiss her to get into the Queensland’s tail.

Charli Knott got a start at first drop, however was out within 20 overs. The visitors continued on their way for 23 overs before their next wicket with Jess Jonassen managing a crucial 78 off 75 deliveries. When Jonassen departed, it was Grace Harris fresh off her stint with the Australian side that hit 59 off just 27 balls, which featured four fours and four sixes.

For the home side, Emmerson Filsell was the pick of the bowlers, albeit being a tad expensive. She picked up the important wickets of the Harris sisters, Grace and Laura.

The South Australians started well in pursuit of the 312 run total, with only the wicket of acting captain Bridget Patterson, the lowlight in the first 40 overs. She will hope to get back into the runs in the return fixture on Monday, when she plays her 100th game in her state colours.

Opener Emma De Broughe hit a well-made 47 off 62 when partnering with SA’s player of the match, Courtney Webb. Webb made 120 off 118 balls, featuring 12 fours in her knock. After de Broughe was dismissed, it was Hollie Armitage that scored a half century (55 off 49) which kept the momentum with her team.

At 4-248, South Australia required 67 runs from 9.2 overs which was more than doable, however this is where Queensland came back to life to dismiss Madeline Penna (22 off 18), Webb, Ellie Johnston (14 off 13) and Amanda-Jade Wellington (four off eight) to stifle their run rate.

Bowler Neale was important in the run chase, managing an unbeaten 19 off 12, despite being under pressure from a red-hot bowling attack from Queensland.

Bowling South Australia out with the wicket of Filsell, Queensland won a close game with some outstanding efforts from their stars. Jonassen and Courtney Sippel took two wickets each, while Nicola Hancock took four from her 10 overs.