Playing XI of Sydney Sixers – Alyssa Healy (wk), Ellyse Perry (c), Ashleigh Gardner, Erin Burns, Sara McGlashan, Dane van Niekerk, Marizanne Kapp, Lauren Smith, Sarah Aley, Hayley Silver-holmes, Lauren Cheatle
Playing XI of Brisbane Heat – Beth Mooney (wk), Grace Harris, Sammy-Jo Johnson, Kirby Short (c), Jess Jonassen, Josephine Dooley, Laura Harris, Delissa Kimmince, Laura Wolvaardt, Jemma Barsby, Haidee Birkett
Toss – Won by Sydney Sixers Women and elected to bat first
1st Innings Summary – Sydney Sixers’ in-form opening pair of Alyssa Healy and skipper Ellyse Perry started the proceedings of the much-awaited WBBL04 final. After the former got out in fifth over, Perry and Ashleigh Gardner played cautiously before the partnership was broken by Grace Harris in 12th over. Following that, Sixers lost two more wickets in quick succession and the run-rate fell below six per over by the end of 17th over. But then, all-rounder Dane van Niekerk made quick 32runs in just 15 balls with the help of two 4s and two 6s to give the much-needed push to the team’s total in the death overs. For, Brisbane Heat, Delissa Kimmince and Grace Harris took five wickets together.
2nd Innings Summary – Chasing a target of modest 132runs in 20 overs didn’t seem to be a tough task but the pressure of the final was clearly visible among the batters as Grace Harris got run-out in second over itself and dynamic in-form Sammy-Jo Johnson got stumped out in 3rd over leaving it to wicketkeeper batter Beth Mooney and captain Kirby Short. Mooney took the charge of the chase as the skipper supported her well at the other end until Dane van Neikerk got both of them out in 15th over. This made the rest of the chase quite interesting as Brisbane Heat needed 15runs to win in the last two overs. When Laura Wolvaardt got run-out on fifth ball of 19th over, it seemed Sydney Sixers may snatch away the win from Brisbane, but Laura Harris smashed a four on the second ball of last over to give first ever title win to her team.
Sydney Sixers’ bowlers gave their best and bowled in a much disciplined manner but could not defend the total to win WBBL title for third time in a row.
Player of the match – Beth Mooney for her match winning 65run innings in just 46 balls including nine 4s. Despite being physically ill, her determined stay on the field helped her team to lift WBBL trophy for the very first time.
Player of the Series – Ellyse Perry (Sydney Sixers Women) for making 777 runs in 16 matches with a strike rate of 121.21 including two centuries and six half-centuries.
Brief scorecard:
Sydney Sixers Women – 131/7 (20 overs)
Brisbane Heat Women – 132/7 (19.2 overs)
Result – Brisbane Heat Women won by 3 wickets
‘Gully’ cricket player and close observer of Indian Cricket team and it’s matches. Straight forward and still socially admirable personality. Strong belief in teamwork and possess high leadership skills.
