WAGGA WAGGA, Australia (CMC) — Stafanie Taylor’s all-round efforts were pivotal as leaders Sydney Thunder remained top of the Women’s Big Bash League table with a crucial 37-run defeat over Adelaide Strikers here yesterday.

Playing at Robertson Oval, Thunder strolled to 148 for four off their 40 overs, after opting to bat first.

New Zealander Rachel Priest, adjudged Player-of-the-Match, stroked 51 off 27 deliveries at the top of the order, while Naomi Stalenberg chipped in with 41 and Taylor, an unbeaten 33.

Opener Rachael Haynes fell cheaply for one with the score on six in the second over but Priest put on 53 for the second wicket with Alex Blackwell (7), before Stalenberg and Taylor added a further 59 for the fourth wicket, to rally the innings.

The right-handed Taylor, the West Indies captain, faced 29 balls and counted two fours and a six.

Seamers Tahlia McGrath (2-16) and Sophie Devine (2-35) picked up two wickets apiece.

In reply, Strikers were held to 111 all out in the final over with Bridget Patterson scoring a hasty 30 from 20 balls.