Strano, Jonassen set to collide in ‘spin-off’
IT’S hard to call it a battle because the competition’s greatest wicket-takers probably will not bowl to each other, but the WBBL finals could not have asked for a better start with the pair colliding in the Eliminator in Adelaide.
Hobart’s Molly Strano has taken more wickets (137) than anyone in WBBL history, but the Heat’s Jess Jonassen is only four behind and riding high after being named captain of the team of the tournament.
The two spinners will go a long way to determining who wins Wednesday’s clash, with the victor set to take on the Strikers for a spot in Saturday’s final in Sydney.
The teams split their matches this season, with the Heat sneaking home by two balls thanks to some huge hitting from Laura Harris, but the
Hurricanes got their revenge in the second meeting.
That rain-affected match was also played at Adelaide’s Karen Rolton Oval and it’s why the Hurricanes are calling it their second home as they prepare for their first finals match since WBBL|02.
“It’s been a long time coming for the Hurricanes and the fans as well,” all-rounder Nicola Carey said. “We’ve been calling this our second home ground because we’ve had a couple of wins here. We’ve gone 1-1 against them this season, but we had a win against them here so hopefully that’s a bit of luck on our side.”
The second meeting between the sides at Karen Rolton Oval may have scarred the
Heat, with South African star Mignon du Preez leading the way for the Hurricanes just days after she hit an unbeaten 73 against them.
Du Preez scored the thirdmost runs this season, is averaging 82.5 in her past three innings and has the talent to win a game all on her own.
She will be the main threat to a Heat side that could have clinched top spot and homeground advantage for the grand final qualifier if rain had not ruined its last game against the Stars.
But Jonassen does not want to make excuses.
“We know that we have to execute significantly better than we have against them during the season,” she said.