Adelaide Strikers Academy edged New Zealand A by two runs in the T20 Top End Series on Saturday night. The hosts claimed a narrow victory at 123 against their visitors' 121. It was a tight finish that kept the crowd on edge until the final delivery.
The win moved Adelaide Strikers Academy further clear at the summit with 10 points from six games. New Zealand A remained in fourth place on six points, three wins and three defeats. By then the gap between the sides had stretched to four points in the table.
Adelaide Strikers Academy had been in fine touch, winning five of their past six matches. Their previous fixture saw a massive 225 against the Australian Capital Territory. Before that came a tense 96 for 92 victory over Hyderabad Kingsmen Academy.
New Zealand A's run had been more mixed, with three wins and two losses in their last five outings. They had just lost 153 for 149 to Hobart Hurricanes Academy on Friday. A defeat to Bangladesh High Performance XI by 158 for 181 followed before that.
The scoreline suggested both teams batted freely, with runs coming at both ends. Adelaide Strikers Academy held their nerve to secure a home win. New Zealand A's campaign continued without a win in their last three matches.