WBBL|11: Phoebe Litchfield sizzles in Sydney Thunder’s emphatic win over Brisbane Heat

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Sydney Thunder produced a near-perfect all-round performance to defeat Brisbane Heat by 23 runs in the 35th match of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 2025 at Drummoyne Oval on Wednesday. Phoebe Litchfield starred with a fluent half-century and ensured the hosts tightened their grip on the contest at crucial moments. The win keeps Thunder firmly in the playoff race as the league enters its decisive final phase.

Sydney Thunder were put into bat under slightly overcast conditions, but opener Litchfield quickly took control with her trademark elegance. The left-hander anchored the innings beautifully, scoring 61 off 43 balls, an innings laced with crisp drives, calculated sweeps, and smart rotation of strike.

Thunder lost wickets at regular intervals, but Litchfield kept one end steady, ensuring the scoreboard kept ticking. Her composed knock allowed the middle order to play freely, helping Thunder recover from early pressure and build a competitive total.

Despite late breakthroughs from the Heat bowlers, Thunder posted 153/7 in 20 overs, a score that always felt above par on the sluggish Drummoyne surface.

Brisbane Heat found a major positive in their bowling effort through England leg-spinner Sarah Glenn, who delivered one of the standout spells of the WBBL season. Glenn’s control, flight, and precision troubled Sydney Thunder’s batters throughout her four overs, resulting in exceptional figures of 4/18.

Her breakthroughs came at crucial junctures, preventing Thunder from running away with the game during the middle overs. Glenn dismissed key batters, broke partnerships, and consistently applied pressure. Despite her brilliance, Thunder still managed to post a competitive 153/7, largely due to Litchfield’s composed half-century.

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Chasing 154, Brisbane Heat needed a solid platform but were unable to get the start required. Early wickets created immediate pressure, forcing the middle order to rebuild. Annie O’Neil, however, offered resistance with a determined 33-run innings. She showed grit and patience, keeping Heat afloat even as the required rate crept upward.

But with Thunder’s bowlers maintaining tight lines and denying boundary opportunities, Heat struggled to generate the momentum needed. Brisbane’s chase never fully recovered from the early setbacks, ultimately finishing on 130/6, 23 runs short of the target.

Much needed victory for Sydney Thunder ⚡#WBBL2025

— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) December 3, 2025

Also READ: WBBL 2025: Ashleigh Gardner’s all-round display leads Sydney Sixers to an 16-run victory over Melbourne Stars

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.