Knight sizzles but it’s pain again for Canes

A SWASHBUCKLING 77 by Hobart Hurricanes international Heather Knight was not enough to save the home side from a defeat against the Sydney Thunder in their WBBL clash in Burnie.

Knight’s knock was the backbone of the Hurricanes’ solid effort of 6-144 off 20 overs, but the Thunder ran that down with 4-149 to claim a six-wicket win.

Knight blasted the gamehigh score off only 49 deliveries, which included nine fours and two sixes.

“Heather batted really well because she had tough conditions on that wicket and she was beginning to accelerate through the back 10,” said Hurricanes coach Salliann Briggs.

Chloe Tryon smacked a quick 21 off 12 before she was caught and bowled by Rene Farrell, and the next best was Erin Fazackerley’s 18 off 16.

“We got off to a bit of a tough start with the bat to be put in on a greentop which was a bit sticky, it took us a while to get going,” Briggs said.

“I thought we put on a good total in the end but it was disappointing we couldn’t defend it. We were definitely off the ball and that’s been our biggest strength — we’ve got a great bowling attack and a lot of diversity.

“But they couldn’t hit their areas and bowled too many extras [21 wides] and unfortunately we couldn’t back them up in the field — we dropped two catches as well.”

Sydney opener Rachel Priest and Naomi Stalenberg set the stage for a Thunder win, putting on 50 for the opening stand before Stalenberg went for six.

Rachael Haynes (4) went cheaply, then Alex Blackwell and Phoebe Litchfield each scored 26, the latter steering Thunder home with 11 balls to spare.

The Hurricanes now turn their focus to back-to-back games against the Melbourne Renegades at Junction Oval on Saturday and Sunday.