The third match of the Women’s Big Bash League 2025 witnessed a commanding all-round display from the Sydney Sixers Women, who stormed to a 10-wicket victory over the Perth Scorchers Women at the W.A.C.A., Perth, on November 9.
It was Ashleigh Gardner’s night — the Australian all-rounder delivered a sensational spell of class and control, producing a match-defining 5/15 off 4 overs, dismantling the Scorchers’ lineup with precision. Her standout performance, backed by sharp fielding that included two catches, deservedly earned her the Player of the Match honour.
Choosing to bat, Perth Scorchers struggled to build momentum, losing wickets at regular intervals. Beth Mooney got off to a brisk start with 20 off 14, while Mikayla Hinkley’s steady 31 off 30 provided resistance in the middle order. However, the Sixers’ bowlers kept striking at crucial junctures.
Gardner’s five-wicket haul broke the spine of the innings, well supported by Maitlan Brown (1/15), Lauren Cheatle (1/24) and Ellyse Perry (2/12), who applied relentless pressure throughout the spell. Despite small contributions from Freya Kemp (16 off 18) and Lilly Mills (13 off 14), Perth were bundled out for 109 in 19.3 overs.
The Sixers’ chase, however, was nothing short of commanding. Ellyse Perry and Sophia Dunkley walked out with calm assurance and never allowed the bowlers a sniff. Perry played with trademark elegance, crafting a fluent 47* off 37 balls, finding nine boundaries with ease. Dunkley complemented her perfectly, blending power with precision to smash an unbeaten 61 off 40, which included four fours and five sixes.
The pair stitched together an unbroken 112-run opening stand, making the chase appear effortless as the Sixers cruised to 112/0 in just 12.5 overs, sealing victory with 43 balls to spare. The Scorchers’ bowlers, including Chloe Ainsworth, Alana King, Amy Edgar, Lilly Mills and Sophie Devine, toiled hard but found no breakthroughs against the authoritative duo.
In the end, the match belonged to Ashleigh Gardner — her five-wicket masterclass not only crippled the Scorchers but set up a resounding victory. With Perry and Dunkley finishing things off in style, the Sixers announced their arrival in WBBL 11 with a dominant statement, securing a memorable win at the W.A.C.A.
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