The ninth match of the seventh edition of Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) was played between Sydney Sixers and Melbourne Stars at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart on Wednesday. Sydney Sixers won the toss and elected to bowl first.
1st innings Melbourne Stars 139-3 in 20 overs
Batting first, Melbourne Stars posted a competitive total of 139-3 in 20 overs, riding on opening bat Annabel Sutherland’s delightful half century. The right hand bat scored 57 runs off 50 balls, including nine boundaries. Maia Bouchier (32) and Kimberley Garth (24) put together 51 runs for the fourth wicket to take their team to a healthy total. For Sydney Sixers, it was right arm off spinner Ashleigh Gardner who was the pick of the bowlers as she accounted for 2-16 in her four overs. Right arm seamer Stella Campbelle was the other wicket-taker who scalped 1-22 in her three overs.
2nd innings Sydney Sixers 109-8 in 20 overs
In reply, Sydney Sixers could only manage to score 109-8 in 20 overs as they fell short of 30 runs. The half centurion in the last match, right hand opening bat Shafali Verma was out for a duck and her partner Alyssa Healy could muster only 14. The Aussie all- rounders in Ashleigh Gardner (31) and Ellyse Perry (40) were the only major contributors with the bat. Perry batted till the very last over however could not take her side home. For Melbourne Stars, right arm seamer Kimberley Garth was the top wicket-taker as she scalped 3-17 in her four overs and received good support from Tess Flintoff who chipped in two wickets. Linsey Smith, Annabel Sutherland and Sophie Day struck with one wicket apiece.
Player of the Match
Melbourne Stars’ all-rounder Annabel Sutherland won the player of the match award for her stellar performance with bat and ball. She scored 57 runs off 50 balls (4s: 9) and picked up 1-24 in her four overs.
Next fixtures
Melbourne Stars will play against Brisbane Heat on October 23 at the Invermay Park in Launceston, while Sydney Sixers will lock horns against Sydney Thunder on October 23 at the Aurora Stadium in Launceston.
Brief Score
Melbourne Stars 139-3 in 20 overs (A Sutherland 57; A Gardner 2-16) beat Sydney Sixers 109-8 in 20 overs (E Perry 40; K Garth 3-17) by 30 runs
I am a former cricketer having represented Mumbai University at All India University level. I was a part of MCA probables for the U-19 and U-23 age group. I have been an avid cricket writer for the last five years. Currently I am pursuing my Ph.D from IIT Bombay.
