The 27th match of the Women’s Big Bash League 2025–26 between the Adelaide Strikers Women and the Sydney Thunder Women turned into a dramatic controversy. Sydney Thunder were cruising towards an easy win, but an unexpected umpire decision changed everything. With victory almost assured, the match was suddenly called off due to rain, leaving the Thunder players stunned.

Sydney Thunder’s luck runs out
Persistent rain had already reduced the match to a 5-over contest. Batting first at the Adelaide Oval, the Strikers posted 45 for 2. Laura Wolvaardt gave them a solid start with 22 off 13 balls, including two fours and a six. Captain Tahlia McGrath added an unbeaten 12 off 6. Thunder’s bowlers were disciplined, with Shabnim Ismail giving away just 6 runs for a wicket in her over, while Lucy Finn also struck once.

Thunder dominate the chase
Despite rain pouring down, Sydney Thunder began the chase aggressively. Phoebe Litchfield led the charge with an unbeaten 38 off 15 balls, hammering five fours and even smashing four boundaries in a single over from Darcie Brown. Thunder reached 35 without loss in just two overs and were firmly in control. By 2.5 overs, they had already reached 43 for no loss — needing only 3 runs from 13 balls.

Match halted amid controversy
Just when Thunder seemed certain to win, heavy rain forced the umpires to halt play. Even though the target was within touching distance, the officials declared that the ball had become too slippery to continue, and the match was called off. This decision shocked players and viewers alike.

Phoebe Litchfield expressed her frustration, saying, “Very disappointed. This is a shame.” On the other hand, Strikers captain Tahlia McGrath defended the umpires, saying, “It was a tough call. The rain had eased, but the ball was too slippery. The umpires made the right decision.”