‘My heart stopped’ - Amanda Jade-Wellington on final-over drama in WBBL final

Adelaide Strikers defended 125 against Brisbane Heat to win the 2023 Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL). Notably, 11 runs were required in the final three deliveries and tailender Mikayla Hinkley smashed the first ball for six. The bowler Amanda Jade-Wellington felt the pressure as Heat were just one hit away from glory.

However, on the following delivery, Hinkley went for a glory shot and while Amanda felt that it was all over, the ball went to Jemma Barsby who was stationed at long-off. Describing her feelings, Amanda stated that her heart stopped and she was just praying for Barsby to grab the ball.

“My heart stopped. I saw Jemma getting settled under it about two metres in front of the boundary. I was like, 'Oh, come on, just hold it'. I let out a big scream of relief and joy (after the catch). I have bowled a fair few last overs and a fair few super-overs as well. I love the crucial moments and the big moments,” Amanda was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

She knew what she wanted to do and then she executed for us: Tahlia McGrath

Strikers’ skipper Tahlia McGrath stated that Amanda was ready to bowl the final over, with the title at stake. She did something similar in the last edition as well but the situation was completely different this time around. On that occasion, Sydney Sixers needed 23 to win in the final over.

“She (Amanda) had this look in her eyes. She knew what she wanted to do and then she executed for us. It was very similar to last year,” McGrath said.

Meanwhile, batting first, Strikers posted just 125 runs in Adelaide and needed something special with the ball to defend their title. Amanda rose to the occasion as she picked up three wickets to be named the Player of the Match while Megan Schutt and McGrath picked up two each as the Strikers won the match by just three runs.