Rachael Haynes rues Thunder's missed opportunity against Sixers

loss to Sydney Sixers felt like a missed opportunity to get one step closer towards the knockouts of the Women's Big Bash League.

"Given how close it went, it sort of feels like a missed opportunity. We started very poorly with the ball. Our first ten overs weren't that great. To restrict them to 140 odd, we thought that it was gettable. It's just really disappointing to lose that one," Haynes told reporters after the match on Wednesday (November 18).

With three teams sitting on 12 points and one on 11, the last two matches will be crucial for Thunder to ensure their qualification to the semi-finals. Thunder are currently placed third with 12 points, and a win against the Sixers would have solidified their position in the top four.

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Despite the loss on Wednesday, Haynes believes her side are are still in the hunt. "We knew coming into the last four games it was going to be really tight. I think there are five teams, that could possibly make the finals or something like that. We are still very much in it," Haynes said.

On the decision to put Sixers in to bat, Haynes said that the pitch got better to bat under lights and the fact that they did not bowl well in the first half of the Sixers' innings did not help them.

"We saw that the ball comes on really nicely under the lights here. The outfield gets quicker as well. So, it becomes harder to defend. Unfortunately, we let them get away probably in the first ten overs."

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Applauding the efforts of Phoebe Litchfield, Haynes said that they had always believed in her potential, adding, "Obviously, she has raised her game really well and stood up tonight, and it was really pleasing for her to do that."

The 33-year-old also said that the squad has talented youngsters who have consistently performed for them throughout the tournament.

"It's just a shame that we didn't get across the line tonight. I think, throughout the tournament, they have all stood up and got plenty of opportunities. Obviously, it's really promising for the future," Haynes concluded.