Impressive Strikers bowling attack sets up victory over Thunder

Adelaide Strikers' bowlers were outstanding in a six-wicket win over Sydney Thunder, now in fourth on 13 points, with stylish opening batter Laura Wolvaardt leading the successful run chase at Karen Rolton Oval.

Strikers have a bowling attack which boasts economy and variety and as a collective they found their groove to restrict Thunder to 118 for 6.

Former Zimbabwe international Anesu Mushangwe began her spell with a double-wicket maiden. Megan Schutt and skipper Tahlia McGrath kept it tight. Nearly half the deliveries in the innings were dot balls.

When Heather Knight fell to Jemma Barsby, Thunder were 32 of 3 in the seventh over. In-form opener Chamari Athapaththu was graceful but well contained by the bowlers. McGrath, who removed Athapaththu, also bowled a maiden to Marizanne Kapp in the ninth over.

Strikers paced their run chase to perfection. Wolvaardt and opening partner Katie Mack anchored the innings and Bridget Patterson finished the win off superbly despite the best efforts of spinner Lauren Smith.

Smith had found herself on a hat-trick when she removed Mack and bowled McGrath with a beauty that spun between bat and pad.

Three teams are now level on 14 points with Perth Scorchers leading the way on net run-rate. There is significant incentive to finish top as that means a direct path into the grand final while the team in second gets to host the Challenger final. Those in third and fourth have to win two knockout matches to reach the final.