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AAP
AAP
Sport
Joel Gould

McGrath inspires Strikers to WBBL win

Tahlia McGrath hit a blistering half-century as her Strikers downed the Hurricanes in the WBBL. (Dean Lewins/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

Adelaide Strikers captain Tahlia McGrath played her best innings of the WBBL season to secure an eight-wicket win over Hobart Hurricanes, taking her side into the top four.

The 27-year-old Australia international lashed an unbeaten 93 from 51 deliveries as Adelaide chased down Hobart's 154 all out at North Sydney Oval with 31 balls to spare.

The Strikers joined the Hurricanes on 15 points, one behind the second-placed Brisbane Heat. The Hurricanes have a net run rate of 0.54 while the Strikers are just behind on 0.31. The Perth Scorchers are in fifth on 13 points but have a game in hand.

The Hurricanes play competition leaders Sydney Sixers in the final round on Sunday while the Strikers take on Sydney Thunder. The Sixers cannot be knocked off top spot and will host the final in Sydney.

McGrath, who had not passed 35 previously this summer, had a free hit against Hayley Jensen in the third over and hit a massive six. She didn't look back from that moment and plundered the Hurricanes attack to all parts.

Her drives through the covers were exquisite.

"It was solid conditions to bat in and I loved it," McGrath told Fox Cricket.

"I have been well below par so I was just happy to contribute and keep our finals hopes alive. I've just got to keep backing what I do well. Hopefully, this is the start of a bit of form for me."

McGrath had the ideal partner in Katie Mack (29) who was quick to punish anything loose to become the fifth player this WBBL season to pass 300 runs.

The pair added 77 off 44 balls for the second wicket to set up victory.

Earlier Hurricanes batter Mignon Du Preez (75 off 47 balls) held the innings together in what was a lone hand.

Strikers spinner Jemma Barsby (3-27) was the pick of the bowlers.

Zimbabwe international Anesu Mushangwe (1-21) made an impressive WBBL debut with her legspinners hard to handle. She was brilliant in the field with a diving catch to dismiss Du Preez a highlight.

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