Maddie Penna has been named the joint 2025-26 T20 Spring Challenge Player of the Tournament after an exceptional campaign for the Adelaide Strikers.
A phenomenal unbeaten century against the Sydney Thunder rounded off her brilliant competition, where she finished as the tournament’s leading run-scorer.
She scored 229 runs and was dismissed just once during the four matches. Her ton was the only one of the tournament and followed her maiden T20 century in the 2024/25 edition of the competition.
She won the award alongside Sydney Sixers fast-bowling allrounder Maitlan Brown, both receiving seven votes from the judging panel of on-field umpires.
The Strikers began their tournament with a seven-wicket win over the Melbourne Stars, thanks in large part to Penna.
After running out England international Dani Gibson in the first innings, the all-rounder smoked 48* off 38 deliveries, helping her side chase 144 with eight balls remaining.
Eleanor Larosa also starred, picking up 2-23 with the ball and finishing 33 not out.
In Game 2, Adelaide lost narrowly by seven runs to the ACT Meteors. Penna impressed again, but her 55* wasn’t enough to get the Strikers over the line during their chase of 127.
Isabella Malgioglio and Amanda-Jade Wellington picked up 2-17 and 2-26 with the ball respectively.
Next up, the Strikers were defeated by the Melbourne Renegades by seven wickets.
Penna, Wellington, Bridget Patterson and Ella Wilson all chipped in with scores in the 20s, but the Victorian team surpassed the target of 129 with 30 balls remaining.
In the final game of the group stage, Penna went ballistic with the bat, blasting 103* off 66 balls. However, the Sydney Thunder chased the 166 required with eight wickets in hand to seal victory.
Coach Mick Delaney said the tournament was an invaluable experience for his side.
“It was a great experience to prepare players for the WBBL and expose them to some different roles,” he said.
“We found ourselves in a lot of different scenarios that we will face moving forwards.
“Although we didn’t the wins would have liked, we are able to reflect and learn a lot to ensure we are well equipped when they arise again.”
Despite the results, the competition leaves the Strikers’ squad in a strong position, especially with the likes of Tahlia McGrath, Megan Schutt and Darcie Brown all set to return from the World Cup before the start of the WBBL.
The Strikers will also welcome overseas stars Sophie Ecclestone, Tammy Beaumont and Laura Wolvaardt to the setup.
The WBBL commences on November 9, with the Strikers’ first match taking place on the 10th against the Melbourne Stars at 2:40pm (ACDT).