The Queensland Fire will meet the NSW Breakers in Sunday's final of the Women's National Cricket League after recording a seven-wicket win over the VicSpirit in Friday's semi-final.
The Spirit won the toss and elected to bat at Blacktown International Sportspark in Sydney, but were bowled out for 209 in the 48th over.
In reply, a great start from openers Melissa Bulow (64 of 71 balls) and Beth Mooney (64 off 84) set the platform for a successful run chase, and the Fire overhauled the target for the loss of just three wickets in the 37th over.
Batting first, Meg Lanning and Elyse Villani were positive early for the Spirit, but when Lanning (21) chipped the ball straight to Kirby Short at mid-on in the seventh over, it triggered a mini collapse for the Spirit.
Villani (11), Jess Cameron (seven) and Emma Inglis (one) did not trouble the scorers too much, but a splendid partnership from Kelly Applebee (71 off 97) and Sarah Elliott (67 off 81), who came together in the 14th over, gave the Vics something to bowl at.
The pair put on 121 for the fifth wicket, but when off-spinner Jemma Barsby struck to remove Elliott, the Spirit really hit the skids.
Barsby repeated the dose soon afterwards to get rid of Applebee, and none of the remaining batswomen got beyond double figures.
Seamer Jude Coleman was the pick of the Queensland bowlers, taking 3-25, while Barsby claimed 3-43.
In reply, the Fire wasted little time in mowing down the target, and after the excellent foundation provided by Bulow and Mooney, Jodie Fields (51 off 45) also hit a well-crafted half-century to get Queensland over the line.
First Posted 11 January, 2013 6:49PM AEST
