The Women’s Big Bash League match between Adelaide Strikers and Sydney Thunder on Friday ended in major controversy. The game was played at the Adelaide Oval. Sydney Thunder needed only three runs from 13 balls to win. But the umpires stopped the match due to rain. Soon after, the game was abandoned. The result was declared a No Result. The decision angered many fans and experts. Several people called it embarrassing and a bad look for the game.
Rain had affected the match from the very start. Steady showers delayed the toss and the start of play. Officials were forced to reduce the match to just five overs per side. Even after the restart, light drizzle continued at different times. Yet, the umpires allowed the match to go on for most of the contest. This made the final decision even more confusing for many.
Sydney Thunder on the Brink Before Play Was Stopped
Earlier in the evening, the Brisbane Heat vs Sydney Sixers match was completely washed out. Not a single ball was bowled in that game. Brisbane Heat got their first point of the season. Later, the shortened Strikers vs Thunder match finally began.
Batting first, Adelaide Strikers scored 45 for 2 in five overs. Laura Wolvaardt was the top scorer with 22 off 13 balls. She hit two fours and one six. Captain Tahlia McGrath remained not out on 12 from 6 balls. For Thunder, Shabnim Ismail and Lucy Finn took one wicket each.
In reply, Thunder captain Phoebe Litchfield came out with great intent. She smashed 38 not out from just 15 balls. Her knock included eight fours. By the end of 2.5 overs, Thunder had raced to 43 without losing a wicket. Only three runs were needed for victory. Just one boundary would have sealed the win.
At that moment, the umpires stopped play due to rain. Shortly after, they abandoned the match. This led to huge criticism. The rain at that time was lighter than earlier periods when play had continued.
Litchfield shared her disappointment after the match. She said, “It’s a shame. It’s pretty disappointing.” Former Australia batter Callum Ferguson was even stronger in his reaction on air. He called the decision a disgrace and said it made the game look bad.
The result left both teams frustrated. With both sides at the bottom of the table, the lost points could prove costly later in the season.
