The Adelaide Strikers dealt a significant blow to Perth Scorchers’ WBBL finals aspirations with a dominant 30-run victory, highlighted by Megan Schutt's stellar bowling performance at Karen Rolton Oval.
The Strikers posted 169 for 6, with contributions from Laura Wolvaardt (41), Smriti Mandhana (41), and Katie Mack (41). Mandhana and Mack set a strong foundation with an 81-run partnership in just over nine overs before falling in quick succession. Wolvaardt accelerated the innings with a blitz featuring three fours and three sixes, while Alana King impressed for the Scorchers with figures of 3 for 29, including two stumpings.
Chasing 170, the Scorchers stumbled to 17 for 4, with Schutt dismantling the top order. Her exceptional spell yielded 3 for 19, including a top-notch inswinger to dismiss Amy Edgar for a golden duck. The Scorchers fell short despite Brooke Halliday’s valiant 47, bowled out for 139.
With the loss, the Scorchers remain fifth on the table, two points behind fourth-placed Hobart Hurricanes, with a steep net run rate gap to overcome in their final two games. Meanwhile, the Strikers, despite climbing to seventh with six points, face slim chances of advancing, as they have just one match left.