Thunder’s 16-year-old phenom blasts Brisbane Heat

A sublime half-century from Sydney Thunder’s 16-year-old phenom Phoebe Litchfield condemned Brisbane Heat to their first loss of the WBBL season.

A sublime half-century from Sydney Thunder sensation Phoebe Litchfield condemned the Brisbane Heat to their first loss of the WBBL season but Kirby Short’s side can take plenty away from Sunday afternoon’s defeat.

Player of the match Litchfield, 16, struck an unbeaten 52 from 48 deliveries to steer the Thunder to a seven-wicket win at North Sydney Oval, ending a four-game winning streak for the defending premiers.

Litchfield’s 97-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Alex Blackwell (42* from 27 deliveries) proved the difference as Brisbane struggled to contain Sydney’s long list of power hitters.

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Phoebe Litchfield won player of the match. Picture: AAP/Joel Carrett

Naomi Stalenberg (18 from 11) and Rachel Priest (31 from 17) were destructive early in the Thunder’s chase and though Heat spinners Grace Harris (1-19 from 3 overs) and Amelia Kerr (0-24 from 4 overs) were economical, Brisbane’s pace lacked the variety to find a breakthrough wicket.

Australian stars Jess Jonassen (0-28 from 3 overs) and Delissa Kimmince (1-30 from 3 overs) were expensive, as were Sammy-Jo Johnson (1-34 from 3.5 overs) and Georgie Prestiwdge but the Heat’s success with spin is heartening.

Jonassen’s earlier efforts with the bat were more impressive as the all rounder blasted 42 from 34 deliveries to help Brisbane post a defendable 9-150.

Beth Mooney (35 from 24) looked the Heat’s best before being undone by crafty spinner Samantha Bates but Jonassen was the only other batter to pass 15 as Brisbane consistently lost wickets through the middle and lower order.