The best team may not win WBBL06, says Hannah Darlington

“I think it’s the first time in the WBBL where you could say may not the best cricket team would win but it would be the team that kind of handles everything that was thrown into them,” Darlington told reporters after their loss against Perth Scorchers on Sunday (November 15).

The tournament has come to its fag end with few games left before the semifinals on November 25 and 26. The final is on November 28. “That’s definitely been the case in the upcoming games. It’s good to know that every team is in the same boat but it’s who handles the best.”

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After their first couple of games were washed out, Thunder made a roaring start winning back-to-back three games. Their first loss came against the Melbourne Renegades before making a comeback against the Hobart Hurricanes.

However, a string of three consecutive defeats thereafter has once again derailed their momentum. “We can look into the last couple of games, our batting hasn’t really kicked off, it’s really frustrating after setting a really nice total but there are a lot of positives to take out from today,” she said.

“It’s a tricky period physically and mentally but every team is in the same boat, so it’s something to look at to turn around. We have some games coming up and can hopefully pull out a win. I think taking something from the weekend we go back and review and see how we can go into next week.”

Thunder are currently in the fourth spot in the table with 10 points from as many games. With just four games left in seven days, Darlington believes playing against some of the tough teams in the group will be vital in shifting the momentum. They play Renegades, Sydney Sixers, Adelaide Strikers and Hurricanes in the order in their next matches.

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“There is no better opposition to come up against than the Sixers, to try and find some competitiveness in the group. We love playing against the Sixers, it’s always a competitive match, the Sydney smash hopefully will get a good crowd and I think it’s a perfect game to come up and switch this momentum,” added the 19-year-old.

Batting first, Scorchers posted 131/8, thanks to Darlington’s 3/18 in four overs. She was even on a hat-trick when she dismissed Chloe Piparo and Megan Banting off consecutive balls in the 16^th over. Speaking about her own show, Darlington was honest in her confession.

“I have never been in a hat-trick before or taken one. Was a little bit nervous and you need to know how to execute. Quite happy with the form, it’s kind of kicking at the right side of the tournament. Looking forward to just trying to contribute and win for the team,” she concluded. In reply, Thunder were all out for 97 in 18.3 overs.