Thunder secure place in Women's Big Bash knockouts
- Published
Sydney Thunder became the first team to guarantee their place in the Women's Big Bash knockouts with a nervy four-wicket win over Melbourne Stars.
Chasing 109 to win, Thunder slipped to 15-3 in the fifth over and then 37-4 when Georgia Adams was out for 10.
Tahlia Wilson made 33 but was dismissed by Kim Garth to leave Thunder 86-5 and needing 23 off 19 balls.
Sammy-Jo Johnson fell cheaply, leaving Thunder needing eight from the final over, but Anika Learoyd (31 not out) hit two fours to seal the win with two balls to spare.
Earlier, Stars posted 108-9, with opener Sophie Reid top-scoring with just 21.
Thunder will secure top spot and a guaranteed place in the final, which takes place on 1 December, if they win their final game against Melbourne Renegades on Friday (23:00 GMT). A defeat would mean other results would decide who seals that place.
Stars are now unable to reach the knockouts, despite having two games left.
