BRISBANE Heat have ended a 706-day winless drought in the Women’s Big Bash League, holding off a late Adelaide Strikers fightback to claim a 14-run victory at Drummoyne Oval.
Queensland star Charli Knott delivered the innings of her career, smashing a stunning 104 off 61 balls to propel the Heat to 4-184 before Adelaide finished at 5-170 in reply.
Knott’s century featured 12 fours and four sixes, lifting her to the top of the competition’s Golden Bat leaderboard as Brisbane finally broke through for its first victory since November 2024.
The Heat’s last win had come in the Challenger final, and only four players from that side remained in Thursday’s XI.
Brisbane captain Georgia Redmayne said the victory was an emotional breakthrough for the team.
“It feels so good – 706 is my new favourite number,” Redmayne said.
“Charli was absolutely outstanding today, with the bat and the ball.
“There’s a bit of emotion in the team. We’re all very glad to get over that hurdle.”
Adelaide looked capable of chasing down the target, with Laura Wolvaardt (75) and Madeline Penna (68) putting together a strong response.
The Strikers needed 56 runs from the final six overs after Penna smashed 27 from Sianna Ginger’s 14th over.
But Brisbane held their nerve, conceding just 26 runs across the next five overs while taking two wickets to wrestle back control.
Spinner Sarah Glenn proved instrumental, dismissing Wolvaardt and Adelaide captain Tahlia McGrath (13), while Glenn and fellow spinner Grace Harris finished with two wickets apiece for 19 runs.
Knott was eventually run out in the 18th over after a mix-up with batting partner Yastika Bhatia, but her remarkable innings had already put Brisbane in a commanding position.
The victory gives the Heat a much-needed boost after two seasons of frustration, with Knott’s performance providing a timely reminder of her ability to deliver on the biggest stage.
