The clash between Adelaide Strikers and Hobart Hurricanes at Karen Rolton Oval ended in a bizarre no-result after a stray cricket ball caused an irreparable hole in the pitch during the innings break.
Strikers had posted 167 for 4, powered by a composed 63* from Madeline Penna, when the heavy roller accidentally pressed a warm-up ball deep into the surface. The impact left a ball-shaped crater in the middle of the pitch, triggering immediate concern from match officials.
Following discussions with the umpires, referee, and both captains, the game was abandoned as the pitch conditions were deemed unfair for the Hurricanes, who would have faced drastically different batting conditions from the Strikers. Strikers later issued a statement explaining the incident and confirming the decision.
The result marks a major setback for the Strikers, who now suffer their third no-result of the season, slipping to sixth on the ladder. With one match left against the Sydney Sixers, they must win to keep their finals hopes alive.
Accordingly, the Hurricanes, already assured of hosting the final, leave Adelaide with an unexpected twist to an otherwise dominant season.
