Rachel and Stafanie come out on top in battle of the Storm

Western Storm’s four representatives in this year’s Big Bash came face to face this weekend.

Sydney Thunder, featuring Rachel Priest and Stafanie Taylor, took on Hobart Hurricanes, who boast Heather Knight and Smriti Mandhana in their line up, at the Manuka Oval in Canberra.

In the end it was the Thunder who came out on top.

Sydney won the toss and elected to field but Smriti helped Hobart to a strong start. Stafanie eventually made the breakthrough when she bowled Erin Fazackerley for 35 with the score on 43. Smriti had moved to 29 from 22 balls when she was dismissed at 73 for two.

34 from Heather helped to keep the scoreboard ticking over but when she fell to Stafanie, Hobart were 134 for six. They eventually posted a total of 153 for nine from their 20 overs. Stafanie finished with figures of three for 24 from her four overs.

Despite losing Rachael Haynes with just six runs on the board, a quickfire 40 from Rachel put the Thunder firmly in the driving seat. Her runs came from just 21 balls.

55 from Naomi Stalenberg eased Sydney towards their total and it was left to Stafanie (20 not out) and Alex Blackwell (20 not out) to complete the six wicket victory with 16 balls remaining.

The win takes Thunder top of the standings.

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