Sydney Thunder’s Chase Stopped Early as Rain Forces Controversial WBBL Match Cancellation
Sydney Thunder’s near-certain win was cut short after umpires cancelled the rain-hit WBBL match.
A dramatic and controversial abandonment marred the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 2025 clash between Sydney Thunder and Adelaide Strikers at Adelaide Oval on Friday, November 28. With Sydney Thunder needing just three runs to win from the final 13 balls of a rain-reduced five-over contest—and all ten wickets in hand—on-field umpires Eloise Sheridan and Stephen Dionysius suddenly called off the match due to deteriorating weather. Thunder captain Phoebe Litchfield, unbeaten on a blazing 38 off 15 deliveries, and Georgia Voll (5 not out off 2) were left stunned as the covers came on, denying what had appeared an inevitable victory.
The match had already been severely curtailed by persistent rain, forcing a reduction to the minimum five overs per side. Thunder won the toss and chose to bowl, restricting the Strikers to a modest 45 for 2, with Laura Wolvaardt top-scoring on 22. In response, Thunder raced to 43 without loss in just 17 balls, Litchfield hammering boundaries at will in a display of ruthless intent. Rain had been falling lightly for much of the second inning, yet play continued uninterrupted until the umpires’ abrupt intervention, prompting immediate disbelief from players and broadcasters alike.
Thunder players reacted with visible fury. Georgia Voll threw her bat in frustration at the non-striker’s end, while several teammates remonstrated with the officials. Commentators on the broadcast described the decision as “baffling” and “embarrassing,” noting that conditions had not significantly worsened and the ball remained playable. Former players and analysts later questioned why the umpires had not acted earlier if they believed the surface was becoming unsafe, highlighting the inconsistency of allowing 2.5 overs of the chase before halting play.
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Social media erupted in outrage, with fans accusing the umpires of incompetence or worse. “Sydney Thunder robbed in broad daylight,” wrote one prominent account, while others demanded an official apology or even suggested the result be overturned. Hashtags such as #WBBLRobbery trended nationally, and calls grew for Cricket Australia to review the application of playing conditions in ultra-short matches, particularly when teams are so close to a result.
The abandonment meant neither side earned points, leaving Sydney Thunder on five points from seven matches—seventh on the table and in serious danger of missing the finals. The Adelaide Strikers sit one place above them with six points. With only three regular-season games remaining, the lost opportunity could prove costly for Thunder’s playoff hopes, especially after such a dominant performance with the bat.
As the WBBL season enters its critical final week, Friday’s events have reignited debate about rain rules in T20 cricket and the need for greater clarity when matches are reduced to the bare minimum. For now, Sydney Thunder must channel their anger into upcoming fixtures, but the bitter taste of Adelaide Oval is likely to linger for some time.
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