Bates spearheads narrow win

ADELAIDE captain Suzie Bates has overcome heat exhaustion to help the Strikers defeat the Perth Scorchers by six wickets in Alice Springs and claim second spot on the WBBL ladder.

After restricting the Scorchers yesterday to a modest 9-87 from their rain-reduced 16 overs, the Strikers were made to work hard in their chase, achieving victory with just one ball to spare.

The only batter from either team to reach 20, New Zealander Bates stroked an unbeaten 49 against her old side before getting attention in the rooms post-game after enduring sweltering heat at Traeger Park. The required rate hovered at close to a run a ball throughout.

With six required off the last over bowled by offspinner Emma King, Bates tied the scores by notching a pair of twos and a single before Bridget Patterson was bowled, leaving one to win from two deliveries.

Incoming Megan Schutt immediately pushed King to mid-on where Nat Sciver fumbled, allowing the Strikers to scamper through for the winning run.

English spearhead Katherine Brunt (2-17) was the pick of the bowlers for the Scorchers who did well to almost defend such a small total.

Perth’s innings took a hit in the first over of the day when a hooping Schutt inswinger clipped the off bail of captain Elyse Villani.

From that point, the Strikers’ bowlers never relinquished their grip.

Heather Graham (19) and Lauren Ebsary (16) battled hard before both departed to Tahlia McGrath who finished with 3-17, two catches and a run-out.