Bizarre reason means that WBBL game abandoned without the toss, let alone a single ball being bowled in it.
WBBL match abandoned due to bizarre hole in the pitch.
The WBBL encounter between Adelaide Strikers and Hobart Hurricanes at Karen Rolton Oval was called off after an unusual incident left the pitch unplayable.
During the scheduled innings break, the pitch was being rolled, following standard WBBL procedures, when a cricket ball from a nearby warm-up session found its way under the heavy roller. As the roller passed over it, the ball was pressed into the surface, leaving a prominent ball-shaped hole that could not be repaired in time.
The Strikers later took to Instagram to explain the reason behind the abandonment, confirming that the damaged pitch was the cause of the match being cancelled.
“As a result, the pitch conditions were changed significantly,” the statement said. “After consultations between the match referee and the umpires, it was considered unreasonable to expect the Hurricanes to bat in conditions that were materially different than those the Strikers had experienced. Both team captains were consulted by the officials and were accepting of the decision.”
The Hurricanes, already guaranteed the right to host the final after claiming seven wins from their opening nine matches, were set to chase a total of 167 for 4 posted by the Strikers before the game was abandoned. Madeline Penna starred for Adelaide, remaining unbeaten on 63 from 51 balls and anchoring the innings, while the Hurricanes’ bowlers shared the wickets.
For the Strikers, the washout represented yet another setback in their bid for the finals, marking their third no-result of the season. Currently sitting sixth on the ladder, they must defeat the Sydney Sixers in their final game to secure a spot in the postseason.