In an unprecedented and bizarre turn of events, the WBBL clash between the Adelaide Strikers and Hobart Hurricanes at Karen Rolton Oval was abandoned after a cricket ball became lodged into the pitch during the innings break. What began as a routine rolling of the surface turned into a match-stopping incident that left players, officials, and fans stunned.
According to the Strikers’ official statement, the pitch was being rolled in accordance with WBBL rules when a stray ball unexpectedly rolled beneath the heavy roller. The roller pressed the ball deep into the turf, leaving a noticeable, ball-shaped crater in the middle of the wicket. The damage was significant enough to alter the playing conditions entirely.
The match referee, umpires, and both captains assessed the situation and determined that it would be unfair to ask the Hurricanes to bat on a surface so different from the one the Strikers had played on. Officials concluded that continuing the match was unreasonable, leading to its abandonment.
For the Strikers, the abandonment was a significant setback. It marked their third no-result of the season, further complicating their finals aspirations. With only one match left, against the Sydney Sixers, they now face a must-win situation to keep their campaign alive.
The roller mishap instantly became one of the most unusual moments in WBBL history, highlighting how even routine pre-play procedures can lead to unforeseen and dramatic consequences on the cricket field.
Women's Big Bash League: Chaos Erupts As Adelaide Strikers vs Sydney Thunder Clash Ends In Controversial Manner; Video
The Adelaide Strikers vs Sydney Thunder clash at Adelaide Oval on Friday, November 28, ended in a highly contentious and bizarre fashion, leaving fans and players stunned. The match, reduced to a five-over contest due to persistent pre-match rain, was called off during Thunder’s chase when just three runs were needed off 13 balls.
Play had already been delayed by rain, and when a light drizzle returned in the third over of Thunder's innings, the umpires removed the players from the field. Broadcasters noted that the drizzle was lighter than at several points earlier in the day when play had continued, adding to the confusion. On-field commentators labelled the “No Result” decision an embarrassment for the game, reflecting the frustration shared by the Thunder camp.
Both teams, sitting sixth and seventh on the points table, were desperate for a win. When the five-over contest began, Thunder captain Phoebe Litchfield chose to chase a modest target set by the Strikers. Adelaide were restricted to 45/2, with Laura Wolvaardt top-scoring with 22 from 13 balls. Tight bowling from Shabnim Ismail and Chamari Athapaththu kept Thunder under pressure, conceding only 11 runs between them.
Thunder’s reply started explosively. Litchfield blazed five fours and a two off Darcie Brown’s second over, exploiting the difficulties of a wet ball to reach 35 runs in just two overs. They were just one hit away from victory when, after 2.5 overs, the umpires halted play and ultimately abandoned the match, leaving the Thunder players and supporters stunned.
The incident has sparked debate over decision-making in rain-affected matches and raised questions about consistency in weather-related match calls.
