Allround Brisbane Heat qualify for the semis after a convincing win

Brisbane Heat solidified their standing in the points table by downing Hobart Hurricanes by seven runs in the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL)  at Blundstone Arena in Hobart on Friday (November 22). Heat, thus, became the first team to qualify for the semis of WBBL 05.

Defending 158, Heat were outstanding in the field, snaffling some breathtaking catches to restrict Hurricanes to a total of 150. Amelia Kerr led the way with both bat and ball. First, her unbeaten cameo of 21 pushed Heat past the 150-run mark, and later with the ball, she prized out two scalps, giving away just 16 runs to set up the victory.

To kick off proceedings, Hurricanes won the toss and sent Heat in. Belinda Vakarewa continued her good form from the last match and knocked over the in-form Beth Mooney for four runs. Mooney looked to play an uppish drive but sliced it to backward point. Jess Jonassen and Maddy Green saw off the power play without further loss of wickets as Heat were 28 for two after six overs.

The pair settled in nicely and stitched together a 50-run partnership. Jonassen played the role of the aggressor and looked good to get her second fifty on the trot. However, her innings ended when she was on 29. Hurricanes broke the threatening partnership through Maisy Gibson, first getting Green stumped for 24 and then sending back Jonassen.

Their dismissals brought the Harris sisters - Grace and Laura - together. They added a further 40 runs, before the latter departed for 18 in the 14th over. Grace then took centerstage and swung the bat hard to reach 43 runs, before being knocked over by Tayla Vlaeminck.

Eventually, Kerr's cameo of 21 runs pushed Heat to a strong total of 157. Vakarewa was once again the star with ball, finishing with figures of 3 for 17.

Hurricanes' openers Erin Fazackerley and Fran Wilson started the chase positively. Fazackerley was the dominant of the two as she took Jonassen for 20 runs in the fourth over. The opening duo put on 50 runs off 34 balls and finished the power play without losing any wicket.

Kerr provided the breakthrough soon as she removed Fazackerly for 35, with Mooney taking a brilliant juggling catch behind the stumps. A moment of brilliance in the field had Heather Knight run out for one. Georgia Prestwidge, with a rocket arm, fired a throw to the striker's end from deep square leg to catch Knight short of her crease.

Mooney's dream run behind the stumps continued as she snaffled a spectacular one-handed catch off the bowling of Prestwidge. Looking to duck the ball Hall could only fend it to the keeper. Heat now truly were back in the game with four quick wickets.

Fran Wilson then brought up the Hurricanes' 100 but soon departed for 32 runs, with Sammy Jo-Johnson taking a good diving catch at short fine leg. Hurricanes were left needing needing 54 runs off 28 balls.

Chloe Tryon and Gibson pressed hard for victory with some lusty blows but eventually fell short by seven runs as Delissa Kimmince successfully defended 16 runs off the last over.

Brief Scores: Brisbane Heat 157/9 in 20 overs (Grace Harris 43, Jess Jonassen 29; Belinda Vakarewa 3-17) beat Hobart Hurricanes 150/7 in 20 overs (Erin Fazackerley 35, Fran Wilson 32; Amelia Kerr 2-16, Delissa Kimmince 2-30) by seven runs.  POM: Amelia Kerr.