Perth Scorchers led by skipper Sophie Devine pipped Melbourne Renegades by 2 runs in a low-scoring encounter in the 17th match of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) at the W.A.C.A, Perth.
Melbourne Stars led by skipper Annabel Sutherland were up against Sydney Sixers led by skipper Ellyse Perry at the Junction Oval, Melbourne, in the 18th match of the tournament.
Sydney Sixers skipper Ellyse Perry won the toss and elected to field first. After being inserted to bat first, the Melbourne Stars openers Ines Mckeon and wicket-keeper batter Yastika Bhatia got their side off to a flying start with a 32-run opening partnership. Skipper Ellyse Perry picked up the wicket of Ines Mckeon to provide the first breakthrough for Sydney Sixers. Stars lost a couple of wickets in quick succession to bring the Sixers back into the contest.
Marizanne Kapp joined skipper Annabel Sutherland at the crease and the duo stitched a much-needed 34-run partnership for the 4th wicket to take their side closer to the 100-run mark. The rains arrived in the 12th over of the innings and the game was reduced to 18 overs per side contest. Marizanne Kapp was found short of her crease to provide the 4th breakthrough for her side and the Melbourne Stars eventually ended up with a total of 122/7 in their quota of 18 overs.
Skipper Annabel Sutherland (42 off 36 balls), wicket-keeper batter Yastika Bhatia (20 off 29 balls), Ines Mckeon (16 off 8 balls), and Marizanne Kapp (16 off 12 balls) were the top performers with the bat for the Melbourne Stars. Sophie Ecclestone (4-0-18-3), Melie Kerr (4-0-36-2), skipper Ellyse Perry (2-0-12-1), and Ashleigh Gardner (3-0-16-0) were the top performers with the ball for Sydney Sixers.
Chasing a target of 123, the Sixers got off to a poor start as they lost the wicket of the wicket-keeper batter Sarah Bryce in the 2nd over of the run chase. Kim Garth provided the first breakthrough for the Melbourne Stars. Sixers debutant Melie Kerr joined skipper Ellyse Perry at the crease and the duo were cruising along in the run chase courtesy of a much-needed, unbeaten 103-run partnership for the 2nd wicket.
With just 19 runs required for the Sydney Sixers to get over the line, the rains arrived again, and the Sixers were 6 runs ahead of the DLS par score. Unfortunately, the persistent nature of the rain ensured there was no further play possible. Skipper Ellyse Perry (48* off 44 balls), and Melie Kerr (47* off 41 balls) were the top performers for the Sydney Sixers.
Marizanne Kapp (4-0-22-0), and Kim Garth (2-0-8-1) were the top performers with the ball for the Melbourne Stars.
Melie Kerr was awarded the Player of the Match for her brilliant all-round show in her debut game for the Sydney Sixers. She returned with match figures of 4-0-36-2 with the ball in her spell. Apart from her contributions with the ball, she also scored a vital, unbeaten 47* off 41 balls, playing a vital role in helping her side get over the line as the Sixers climbed to the 3rd spot in the points table.
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