Sophie Devine guides Strikers to a thumping win over Heat

White Ferns all-rounder Sophie Devine's quickfire 89 off 55 helped Adelaide Strikers to start their WBBL campaign with a victory over Brisbane Heat.

Brisbane Heat won the toss and opt to bowl first where Devine welcomed them with a six over deep square leg in the very first over. But Heat counter attacked by picking up Suzie Bates in the second over. A brilliant direct throw from Short sent Bates to the pavilion after scoring just 1.

Tahlia McGrath and Amanda Wellington too got dismissed after scoring 1 and 0 respectively. However, Devine ensured that the innings didn't lose it's way and continued to dominate the bowlers. She started to steady the ship with two strong partnership with Bridget Patterson (31) and Tegan McPharlin (30).

Once Devine got set, it became difficult for Heat to dismiss her as she started hitting all over the ground. Her blitzy innings came to an end in the 18th over; when she got dismissed after giving a catch at the long-on region from Jonassn's delivery. Her 89 off 55 consists of six fours and five sixes, which set up a decent total of 173 on board.

While chasing 174, Heat lost their opener, Grace Harris and Sammy-Jo Johnson very early. Beth Mooney, along with captain Kirby Short started to build the partnership. They both scored impressive half-centuries. Mooney's unbeaten 63 came off 57 with 5 fours and a six while Short took 55 balls to score 62* with 7 fours. But their partnership failed to reach the target.

A disciplined and economical bowling from the Strikers' bowlers restricted Heat's innings within 136 at the end of their allotted overs. Megan Schutt and Tahlia McGrath picked up one wicket each for Strikers.

Adelaide Strikers will face Melbourne Renegades in their next game on 8th December while Brisbane Heat will play against Perth Scorchers on the same day.