Samantha Bates provided Sydney Thunder Women with an early breakthrough against Brisbane Heat Women in the sixth match of the Women’s Big Bash League 2026 at Drummoyne Oval. The experienced left-arm spinner produced an important dismissal in the third over, beating Charli Knott’s defence and sending her stumps flying.

Knott had looked in good touch during her brief stay at the crease, scoring 16 runs off just 11 deliveries with the help of three boundaries. However, Bates brought her aggressive start to an end with a timely breakthrough, leaving Brisbane Heat at 19/1 and giving Sydney Thunder an early opening in the contest.

Samantha Bates shatters Charli Knott’s stumps with a brilliant delivery

The dismissal took place on the third ball of the third over when Bates bowled Knott with a superb delivery. The Brisbane Heat opener was looking to continue her attacking approach after finding the boundary on three occasions, but Bates managed to beat her defence and hit the stumps. Knott could only watch as the bails were dislodged, bringing her innings to an end at 16 off 11 balls.

Bates’ breakthrough came at an important stage of the innings, as Sydney Thunder were looking to prevent Brisbane Heat from building an early platform. The wicket also ended the opening partnership and reduced the hosts to 19/1. However, despite losing Knott early, Brisbane Heat’s middle order responded strongly to ensure that the dismissal did not affect their scoring momentum.

Here’s the video:

"That's exactly where you want to bowl."

Sam Bates with the perfect left-arm orthodox delivery to Charli Knott! #WBBL12 pic.twitter.com/5TAzmX0Ylr

— Weber Women's Big Bash League (@WBBL) November 1, 2026

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Brisbane Heat post 178/5 against Sydney Thunder Women

After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Brisbane Heat recovered from the early loss of Knott through a strong partnership between Grace Harris and captain Georgia Redmayne. Harris led the scoring with an aggressive 58 off 37 deliveries, striking seven boundaries and two sixes. Redmayne also played an important role, scoring 57 off 44 balls with four boundaries and a six to keep the innings moving.

Orla Prendergast provided another useful contribution towards the end, smashing 28 off 20 deliveries before being stumped off Nadine de Klerk. Georgia Voll picked up two wickets for Sydney Thunder, finishing with figures of 2/25, but Brisbane Heat maintained their attacking approach to post 178/5 in 20 overs.

In reply, Sydney Thunder began their chase steadily, with openers Phoebe Litchfield and Georgia Voll taking the score to 18/0 after 2.2 overs. Litchfield was unbeaten on 14 off nine deliveries, while Voll had scored two runs from five balls. At that stage, Sydney Thunder needed another 161 runs from 106 deliveries to chase down the target of 179.

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.