Albion Park wicketkeeper Tahlia Wilson has continued a 'fearless' march into the Women's Big Bash League final, as the Sydney Thunder blasted past Brisbane Heat on Thursday night.
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Hannah Darlington's double-wicket maiden to help finish the Brisbane Heat is proof of why Sydney Thunder's youngsters won't buckle in Saturday night's WBBL final.
Darlington took 3-19 in Thursday night's semi-final win, as the Heat capitulated from 4-119 to all out for 131 to go down by 12 runs.
Just 18 years old, Darlington is one of four Thunder players aged 21 or younger who will take on the far more experienced Melbourne Stars on Saturday.
But she looked every bit the veteran in Thursday's win, executing two perfect yorkers to claim wickets in what proved to be a decisive 18th over.
"I've been lucky to play in a couple of high pressure matches and under age cricket, some tours overseas as well," Darlington said.
"So are we calling on that experience.
"But I think you look at some of the experience we have in our team. We've got Heather Knight, Rachael Haynes to be able to gain experience off.
"It's a really good position for us young players to learn off ... and important for us to get around those girls."
NSW's ability to bring elite youngsters through their successful junior system has for a long time helped the Thunder enjoy a rich development base.
As Darlington points out, it's also left them ready for the big occasions.
Phoebe Litchfield has the highest batting average of any teenager in the tournament, with the 17-year-old having struck 173 at 28.83.
Rachel Trenaman has established herself at the top of the order at 19, while 20-year-old Tahlia Wilson has claimed four stumpings in her first full WBBL season behind the stumps.
Before the match, Wilson - who hit seven off eight late in the innings - said the Thunder are backing themselves in the big moments.
"When we're playing our best cricket, we definitely play a fearless brand of cricket," Wilson said.
"Everyone goes out there and knows everyone behind them is backing them to shot their ability.
"And that they've done all the yards off the fields, so you can just execute when you get out there."
Teenagers Gabrielle Sutcliffe, Kate Peterson and Anika Learoyd have also played games in their run to the grand final.
Meanwhile, Darlington has long been regarded as a future talent, named the club's best last season before taking another 18 wickets this year.
"Dom Thornley, our NSW Breakers coach, stated bluntly that second-year blues are a thing," Darlington said.
"But I think that the main thing for me is Phoebe Litchfield by my side who had the same tournament as me last year.
