WAGGA product Rachel Trenaman says Sydney Thunder's demonstrated ability to navigate their way out of tight jams will hold them in good stead for Saturday night's Women's Big Bash League final.
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The Thunder's hopes of advancing to the decider looked shot when Brisbane Heat required just 22 runs off as many balls with six wickets in hand when chasing 143 in Thursday's semi final.
But a couple of run outs and class death bowling from Hannah Darlington (3-19) ensured Thunder qualified for the final against minor premiers Melbourne Stars at North Sydney Oval.
"What the group has done well throughout this campaign is we've won a few tight ones, so when you do get into a tight situation like the semi, our bowlers have been there and knew what to do," she said.
"For the Heat to only need less than a run a ball with six wickets left, to take 6-12 was a great effort."
Trenaman was captured wincing and feeling her shoulder after fielding a ball in the outfield, but the 19-year-old said it isn't an issue which will stop her from opening the batting.
"I've had an ongoing shoulder issue for about a year now and we're doing what we can to make sure it's as stable as possible, and pump me with some drugs," she said.
"It doesn't affect my batting at all."
Trenaman ran herself out for six in the semi, but has come into her own in the back end of the tournament.
She has made a number of starts, including a career-best 38 against Adelaide three matches ago, and feels a big score is around the corner.
"I felt pretty good last night to be honest. I only faced six balls but in some regard I didn't get out in a technical point of view," she said.
"I feel like I've been hitting my straps toward the end of the tournament and batted quite well the last couple of games.
"North Sydney is a beautiful wicket to bat on so hopefully I can go well.
Trenaman said quelling the Stars' gun top order of Meg Lanning, Elyse Villani and Mignon du Preez is crucial as well as limiting the impact of their spinners.
"If we can expose their middle order that's a good place to start, but also playing their spinners really well is important," she said.
"(Spinner) Alanna King showed on Wednesday night (semi against Perth) what she can do (3-16) and set the game up for the Stars."
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