In-form Sydney Thunder batter Naomi Stalenberg believes matching Adelaide Strikers’ all-round ability will be crucial in Wagga this weekend.
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The Thunder will host the Strikers in a Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) top of the table double header at Robertson Oval on Saturday and Sunday.
The Thunder will arrive in Wagga on Friday on the back of a win over Sydney Sixers, that has them on top of the WBBL ladder.
Stalenberg will also arrive in good touch after scoring 48 in a Player of the Match performance against the Sixers.
“We’ve obviously had a pretty strong season so far with some pretty impressive performances,” Stalenberg said.
“Our batters and bowlers are doing really well so we’ll take confidence going into the last few rounds and finals time.
“I was happy (with my innings of 48). I haven’t had a lot of opportunities so far this season so I’m just taking every innings as it comes. Heading into a few of the bigger games, I’m sure there will be a few more opportunities but as long as I’m doing my bit for the team, I’m happy with that.”
The Strikers warmed up for their Wagga weekend with two wins over Perth Scorchers in their double header in Alice Springs.
Stalenberg says the Thunder certainly won’t underestimate a tough Strikers team.
“They’ve got a couple of international players who are really strong, in Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine. They are a couple of all-rounders from New Zealand who are pretty strong with both bat and ball,” Stalenberg said.
“From a leadership point of view, we’re not taking them lightly and know we’ll have to bring our A game to match it with those kind of players.
“Adelaide have got such a strong all-round team...but at the same time our team is pretty well rounded as well so it’s going to be a good match up.”
The Thunder have played one less game than the Strikers so they see this weekend as an opportunity to cement top position on the ladder.
“The Strikers are one game ahead and that works in our favour,” Stalenberg said.
“If we can get a win on the board, we’ll still have that extra game on them and should finish on top of them.
“The Strikers have had a good season so far so the weekend should be quite challenging, but we’re ready for the challenge.”
The Thunder will fly to Wagga on Friday, where they will hold a training session at Robertson Oval at 2.30pm.
The Wagga double header is the start of a ‘10-day tour’ for the Thunder on the road, where they finish with games in Canberra and Brisbane.
