Women's Big Bash League 2021/22: Strikers into final with nine-wicket win over Renegades

Adelaide Strikers set up a final date with Perth Scorchers after defeating Melbourne Renegades by nine wickets in the WBBL 2021/22 Challenger. Darcie Brown (2-9) was adjudged Player of the Match for her frugal spell. After restricting the Renegades to 83, the Strikers chased down the target in 10.5 overs.

The Renegades never looked comfortable, and kept losing wickets frequently. Megan Schutt drew the first blood, clean bowling Josephine Dooley. Darcie Brown then struck twice in her next two overs to reduce them to 20/3.

Tahlia McGrath then trapped Harmanpreet Kaur leg-before, for 7. The innings never gathered momentum, and they were 30/6 by the end of the ninth over. Ella Hayward made an unbeaten 18 to drag the Renegades' total to 83/8.

For the Strikers, Brown and Schutt took two wickets each. Amanda-Jade Wellington struck in her first over, to get rid of Jess Duffin. Tahlia McGrath picked one wicket, while two batters got run out. 

The Strikers got off a terrific start. Dane van Niekerk (43) and Katie Mack (31) added 73 for the opening wicket before the former was undone by Carly Leeson. They completed the chase in just 65 balls.

Brief scores: Melbourne Renegades 83/8 in 20 overs (Hayward 18; Brown 2-9) lost to Adelaide Strikers 86/1 in 10.5 overs (van Niekerk 43; Leeson 1-5) by 9 wickets with 55 balls to spare. Player of the Match: Darcie Brown.