Charli Knott has played the innings of her life as Brisbane ended a 706-day WBBL winless drought with a 14-run triumph over Adelaide.
Fittingly, Queenslander and Heat stalwart’s stunning 104 launched Brisbane to 4-184 at Sydney’s Drummoyne Oval on Thursday, before the Strikers replied with 5-170 from their 20 overs.
Only four members of the Heat’s XI remain from the last time the team tasted victory, the Challenger final back in November 2024.
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Knott, who starred on the recent Australia A tour of India but averaged just 13 last summer and around 19 across her 70-game WBBL career, clubbed 12 fours and four sixes in her epic 61-ball knock.
The Strikers had no answers for Knott, who moved to the top of the Golden Bat leaderboard before being run out – barbecued by partner Yastika Bhatia – in the 18th over, before bowling four tight overs.
“It feels so good – 706 is my new favourite number,” Brisbane captain Georgia Redmayne said.
“Knotty was absolutely outstanding today, with the bat and the ball.
“There’s a bit of emotion in the team. We’re all very glad to get over that hurdle.”
Laura Wolvaardt (75) and Madeline Penna (68) were the mainstays of Adelaide’s chase, which had looked on course with 56 needed off the last six overs.
That was the equation after Penna belted 27 off the 14th over from Sianna Ginger.
But Brisbane held their nerve, taking 2-26 off the next five as the Strikers struggled to find the boundary.
Sarah Glenn was instrumental in stemming the run flow, removing South African star Wolvaardt and captain Tahlia McGrath (13).
Glenn and fellow spinner Grace Harris both snared 2-19.
