Adelaide Strikers kicked off their WBBL|12 season in style on Saturday, beating the Melbourne Stars by 21 runs at Karen Rolton Oval — and they did it without their two best fast bowlers.
Megan Schutt is suspended and Darcie Brown is out with a back injury, but Adelaide barely noticed. Laura Wolvaardt celebrated her 100th WBBL appearance with a classy 70 off 50 balls, skipper Tahlia McGrath made 43 not out, and then Maddie Penna went wild — 36 not out off just 13 balls, with four fours and three sixes. The Strikers smashed 76 off the last five overs to post an imposing 185 for 2.
Chasing 186, the Stars got off to a flyer. Rhys McKenna (40) and captain Meg Lanning (32) put on 77 for the first wicket. Then Amanda-Jade Wellington ripped the chase apart — 3 for 28, removing Lanning, Annabel Sutherland (29) and breaking the back of the innings. Sophie Ecclestone (2-25) grabbed a stunning one-handed catch to dismiss Amy Jones that might already be the catch of the season. The Stars closed on 164 for 7.
Sutherland had earlier taken a brilliant catch of her own to end Wolvaardt’s innings. Wellington took Player of the Match for her three big wickets, and the Strikers’ title defence is off to a perfect start.
See also our WBBL|12 opening-day report and today’s Scorchers vs Renegades preview. Cricket.com.au has the full match report.
Last verified: 31 October 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result of Strikers vs Stars in WBBL 12?
Adelaide Strikers won by 21 runs at Karen Rolton Oval. Strikers: 185 for 2 (Laura Wolvaardt 70, Maddie Penna 36 not out off 13). Stars: 164 for 7 (Rhys McKenna 40, Amanda-Jade Wellington 3-28).
Who was Player of the Match?
Amanda-Jade Wellington, for her 3 for 28 that broke the Stars’ chase, including the wickets of Meg Lanning and Annabel Sutherland.