Adelaide Strikers 119 for 4 (Wolward 47, Patterson 36*, Smith 3-16) lost Sydney Thunder 118 for 6 (Athapaththu) by six wickets
The Strikers have a bowling attack that is economical and varied and as a collective they found their groove to restrict the Thunder to 118 for 6.
The Thunder were 32 in the seventh over when Heather Knight fell to Gemma Barsby. Opener Samari Adhapathu looked good but was well controlled by the bowlers. McGrath removed Adapathu and bolted for Marisane Cupp in the ninth over.
Smith took a hat-trick when he removed Mack and bowled McGrath with a beautiful spin between bat and bat.
The three teams are now tied on 14 points with Perth Scorchers leading the net run-rate. There is a significant incentive to finish first, meaning a direct path to the Grand Final, with the second team hosting the Challenger Final. The third and fourth placed teams must win two knockout matches to qualify for the final.